Factors influencing the probability of affiliation to the social security system among informal sector workers in Ecuador

Resumen

The study aims to identify the factors influencing the probability of affil­iation to voluntary social security among workers in the informal sector in Ecuador during the period 2018-2020. The methodology applied a logit model with marginal effects using data from the National Employ­ment, Unemployment and Underemployment Survey for Ecuador. The results suggest that factors such as labor income, urban residence, marital status married, and formal higher education tend to increase the likelihood of affiliation. Conversely, poverty and involvement in agricultural activities decrease the probability of opting for voluntary insurance coverage. We can conclude that, although there is interest in belonging to social security, informal workers prioritize the coverage of immediate needs due to their low labor income.