Intersectional dimensions of entrepreneurship among immigrant Hispanic women

Abstract

Many factors influence the economic opportunities for Hispanic women. In particular, their gender and ethnicity shape employment paths, as does their immigration status. Hispanic entrepreneurship is seeing rapid growth, but the heterogeneity of that group remains understudied. Using 2015–2019 ACS data, we investigate formal (incorporated) and informal (unincorporated) self-employment across three key factors—namely gender, Hispanic ethnicity, and immigration status—guided by an intersectional theoretical framework and quantitative data analysis. With our intersectional approach, we analyze how categories of marginalization overlap and compound to shape socioeconomic outcomes. We find self-employment propensities across social dimensions are not merely additive, nor should they be considered in isolation. Overlaying disadvantaged statuses has a greater effect than each alone, highlighting the need for policies tailored to help those who face multiple barriers to economic prosperity.