Analysis of the income gap between women with and without disabilities beneficiaries of a microenterprise program in Chile

Abstract

Purpose We examine the income gap experienced by women entrepreneurs with and without disabilities, analyzing the factors that influence their hourly income, including sociodemographic characteristics, business factors and the potential impact of disability status. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts a quantitative approach, analyzing income determinants among women entrepreneurs who participated in a Chilean government support program. Regression models assess the effects of sociodemographic and business-related variables, with robust standard errors to address heteroscedasticity. Propensity Score Matching improves robustness and addresses potential selection biases. Findings This study found that women entrepreneurs with disabilities generally experience lower incomes, but no significant income differences were observed between women with and without disabilities when other variables were added. Research limitations/implications In addition to the gender gap in income, disability is another relevant factor in analyzing inequality in entrepreneurship, making an intersectional approach a relevant framework to analyze the income gap between women with and without disabilities. Practical implications Our findings underscore the need for policies with an intersectional approach that address the specific barriers faced by women with disabilities in entrepreneurship. Originality/value This study provides valuable insights into the income dynamics of women entrepreneurs with disabilities, a relatively underexplored area in entrepreneurship research. By focusing on a vulnerable group in the Latin American context and analyzing the effectiveness of support programs, it contributes to a deeper understanding of how gender and disability intersect in entrepreneurship performance.