Understanding Gendered Employment Dynamics: Demographic Profiles and Characteristics of Individuals With Disabilities in Spain

This research investigates the employment challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in Spain, with a specific focus on gender-based disparities. Despite a higher poverty rate among women with disabilities, they receive disproportionately less government assistance compared to their male counterparts. The study draws on data from the 2020 Disability, Personal Autonomy, and Dependency Situations Survey, employing classification and regression trees (CART) to analyze key demographic characteristics associated with employment status, active job seeking, and labor inactivity among this population. The CART model identifies specific terminal nodes that capture profiles of individuals who are employed, with fewer nodes highlighting those actively seeking work. These nodes reveal distinct demographic patterns and employment outcomes, offering insights into the factors that contribute to labor market inclusion or exclusion for people with disabilities. Importantly, gender-specific nodes provide nuanced profiles, indicating that women and men with disabilities face different barriers and opportunities in the labor market. This highlights the need for gender-sensitive approaches to policy and support mechanisms. In addition to gender, factors such as age, health status, and the nature of the disability play significant roles in shaping employment outcomes. The research emphasizes the importance of tailored interventions that address the diverse needs of subgroups within the disability community. By identifying distinct patterns in employment activity and job-seeking behavior, the findings call for targeted policies aimed at improving labor market access and support for individuals with disabilities, particularly for women who face compounded disadvantages.