Full Citation

Title: Family comes first: Reproductive health and the gender gap in entrepreneurship

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2021

ISBN:

ISSN: 0304-405X

DOI: 10.1016/J.JFINECO.2020.06.020

NSFID:

PMCID:

PMID:

Abstract: Better access to reproductive healthcare increases women's propensity to become entrepreneurs. Access correlates positively with female entrepreneurial activity and negatively with female entrepreneurial age. Examining firm size and personal income suggests it also improves the success of female-led businesses. None of these results hold when tested on men, women above 40, or other placebo professions. To establish causality, I exploit Roe v. Wade, state laws restricting abortion providers, and an index tracking state-level regulation of reproductive care. All three analyses suggest that policies securing better reproductive care enable more women to become entrepreneurs. I conclude by discussing various possible channels and mechanisms.

Url: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304405X21000799

User Submitted?: No

Authors: Zandberg, Jonathan

Periodical (Full): Journal of Financial Economics

Issue: 3

Volume: 140

Pages: 838-864

Data Collections: IPUMS USA, IPUMS CPS

Topics: Gender, Labor Force and Occupational Structure, Reproductive and Sexual Health

Countries: