Sociodemographic Factors and Their Relationship to Labor Market Participation in Ecuador: A Comparative Analysis of the Coast and the Highlands Using Logit Models

Abstract

This study aims to understand the factors that influence whether a person is employed in Ecuador. Using data from the 2022 Population and Housing Census, the analysis focuses on key sociodemographic characteristics such as educational level, age, sex, place of residence, and employment status. The results show that individuals with higher levels of education tend to have greater opportunities to access employment. However, persistent inequalities remain, particularly between men and women and between urban and rural populations. Age also plays a role, as young adults represent the largest share of the labor force, while older groups face challenges in labor market inclusion. Regional differences are evident: in the Coast, urbanization predominates, while in the Sierra rural communities have greater weight, shaping distinct labor market dynamics. Overall, the study provides insights into the employment situation in Ecuador and highlights the need for policies that reduce gender and territorial gaps, strengthen the link between education and labor demand, and promote broader access to formal employment opportunities.