Financial inclusion in business units that survived COVID-19 in Mexico: digitalization, higher education and their influence on women business owners
Academic Article in Scopus
Purpose ¿ The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of digitalization, age and higher education on the degree of financial inclusion of female business owners who survived COVID-19 in Guadalajara, Monterrey, Mexico City and its metropolitan área. Design/methodology/approach ¿ Analysis of variance and calculation of Bonferroni intervals were performed to compare the means of the variables under study. Then, a structural equation model is used to estimate the effect of digitalization, age and higher education on financial inclusion, using a quantitative, nonexperimental, cross-sectional approach. The sample consisted of a face-to-face survey of business owners from 1, 217 interviews in 2023. Findings ¿ The results show that in Monterrey, Guadalajara and Mexico City, the positive effect of digitalization on financial inclusion is stronger among women business owners under 30. Research limitations/implications ¿ The set of relevant observable sociodemographic variables are only education, gender, age and geographic location. Practical implications ¿ The results suggest strategies for promoting the financial inclusión of female business owners. Policy recommendations to promote gender equity among business owners in Mexico. Social implications ¿ Policy recommendations to promote gender equity among business owners in Mexico. Originality/value ¿ This paper presents statistical evidence on the effect that digitalization and higher education have on the financial inclusion of women business owners who survived COVID-19 in Mexico, which is relevant to address gender inequality, empowerment and the recommendation of specific public policies.
