Semester Award Granted

Spring 2025

Submission Date

May 2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

College

College of Business

Department

Finance

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Rebel Cole

Thesis/Dissertation Co-Chair

Christopher Boudreaux

Abstract

This study examines the specific influence of health insurance on female entrepreneurs with children, a demographic that has been underexplored in existing research on health insurance and entrepreneurship. The aim is to evaluate whether access to health insurance significantly affects these entrepreneurs' business decisions, financial stability, and overall well-being.

Grounded in job-lock theory and evidence of the gender gap, the research hypothesizes that health insurance enhances entrepreneurial performance, particularly benefiting women with children. It anticipates that female entrepreneurs will encounter more significant challenges than their male counterparts and that those with children may face additional performance barriers, especially when lacking insurance. It suggests that insurance gives a competitive advantage to entrepreneurs with children over those who do not have insurance.

Analyzing data from the Entrepreneurship in the Population (EPOP) survey from 2022 to 2024, regression models demonstrate consistent positive associations between health insurance and improved financial outcomes. The study finds that while health insurance generally boosts profit-loss performance, the expected performance gap between insured female and male entrepreneurs does not exist; both genders benefit equally from having insurance. Having children is linked to positive financial outcomes, although female entrepreneurs with children still tend to underperform relative to males. Additionally, insured entrepreneurs with children achieve superior performance, highlighting the importance of health insurance for this group.

Overall, the findings affirm the critical role of health insurance in supporting female entrepreneurs and underscore the necessity for policies that enhance insurance access and affordability, reducing gender disparities and nurturing a supportive entrepreneurial environment.

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