Socio-demographic Factors Influencing the Financial Well-being of Women Gig Workers

Abstract

The fast growth of the gig economy has offered new career alternatives for women through flexibility, remuneration and increased workforce participation. But the economic well-being of women gig workers is affected by a number of socio-demographic characteristics that influence their earning capacity, financial stability and economic resilience. The current study investigates the association of certain socio-demographic characteristics such as age, education, marital status, family income, work experience, domicile and family structure with financial well-being of women participating in gig labour. A quantitative study approach was adopted in which primary data were obtained from women gig workers using a standardised questionnaire and analysed using appropriate statistical techniques to find significant connections and predictions. The results reveal that financial well-being is largely affected by education level, monthly income, work experience, and home obligations, although other demographic categories have different degrees of impact. Although the report indicates improved work opportunities, it also shows ongoing issues such as income volatility, restricted access to social security, financial isolation and lack of savings. The findings highlight the importance of specific legislative measures, financial literacy programmes and inclusive social protection activities for the improvement of the financial security and economic welfare of women in the gig economy. The paper contributes to the burgeoning literature on gender, informal employment and financial well-being by presenting empirical evidence on socio-demographic characteristics affecting women gig workers and proposing recommendations to platform businesses, financial institutions and regulators.