Gender and Health Among Informally Employed Workers: The Impact of Social Support

Abstract

In an evolving global labor market, the expansion of informal employment presents profound implications for workers’ health and social welfare, especially among women. Using data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) in 2016, 2018, and 2020, this study employs logistic regression models to investigate gender disparities in health status among informal workers. The findings reveal that women in informal employment have significantly lower health levels than men, and these health disparities vary across different ages and educational levels. The study results indicate that within informal employment, women’s health levels are significantly lower than those of men. This disparity is not only related to economic income and educational levels but also closely associated with social support. In the informal employment sector, although women are more active in informal social support networks such as family, friends, and community, they are influenced by a variety of factors and significantly lag behind men in obtaining formal social support, such as government subsidies and social security. Policymakers should pay more attention to the informal employment sector and consider implementing targeted health interventions and policies to enhance the health levels and social welfare of women in informal employment.