Very long read.
But according to this paper, the cut in payment wasn't due to "men curdling", but to "too successful "
More men participated than expected. And the worldwide crash made this payment rule too expensive.
Also, they have found ways to compensate those couples by other funds.
And most importantly:
Studies made in 2006 showed that women’s attitudes towards promotions and
management position changed between 1994 and 2006. Before, marriage and
childbirth decreased women’s interest in both, but in the latter study they did not.
Also, a Gallup survey in 2006 showed that the majority of respondents thought that
the parental leave laws had significantly improved women’s position in the labour
market
In addition, the change in the law has resulted in some men being terminated after
paternity leave, something that only happened previously to women after maternity
leave. This was reported both in an annual report of a trade union and a Capacent
Gallup survey. These surveys are discussed in more detail in chapter 5 of this
report.
Yes it sucks to get fired after parenting leave. But it is more equality.