Date of Award

12-2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Department

Bisk College of Business

First Advisor

Alina Malkova, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Emily Martinez-Vogt, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Jignya Patel, Ph.D.

Fourth Advisor

Lisa A. Steelman, Ph.D.

Abstract

This dissertation aims to investigate the impact of state-level family policies on women's participation in the labor force in the United States, focusing specifically on the rise of self-employment and solopreneurship among women. The research seeks to answer the following question: "How do family policies at the state level impact participation of American women in the labor force?"

The study utilized a convergent parallel mixed-methods design. A composite index of state level family policies was created to conduct cross-sectional exploratory data analysis of female labor force participation. Additionally, a qualitative phenomenological study of solopreneurs provided a deeper understanding of the influence family policies have on decisions to work as self-employed solopreneurs.

The study (a) answers the call of previous research to consider the environmental factors influencing how individuals engage in the labor force, (b) fills a gap in the family policy literature by conducting comparative analysis of family policies between states, and (c) expands family policy research by considering self-employment and solopreneurship as economic outcomes of interest.

Results indicate that states that scored higher on the new Family Policy Composite Index (USFPCI) are correlated with higher female labor force participation rates and a narrowing of the labor force gender gap while a significant negative correlation is found with female solopreneurship. Results indicate the childcare dimension of the USFPCI is driving the significance of the relationship with both LFPR and solopreneurship, which was supported by data from the phenomenological study of solopreneurs.

Comments

This study provides evidence that family supportive policies are an antecedent that relieve the burden of care and empower women to engage fully in the labor force. Findings, which are relevant to family policy researchers and policymakers, will aid in developing strategies to engage women productively in the US economy.

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