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Exploring the role of digital inclusive finance in narrowing gender income inequality: an analysis of the mediating effect of educational attainment

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  • Li, Nike
  • Han, Xingxu

Abstract

As gender income inequality remains a significant challenge in many economies, addressing this issue through innovative financial mechanisms has gained increasing attention. This study aims to explore the impact of digital inclusive finance on gender income inequality through an analysis of provincial-level data from China between 2011 and 2023, as well as the mediating effects of educational attainment and digital literacy. The findings reveal that the development of digital inclusive finance contributes to narrowing gender income inequality; educational attainment plays a mediating role between digital inclusive finance and gender income inequality; the mediating effect of educational attainment between digital inclusive finance and gender income inequality varies across provinces with different industrial structures; digital literacy also acts as a mediating factor in this relationship; and the mediating effect of digital literacy exhibits heterogeneity across provinces with differing industrial structures.

Suggested Citation

  • Li, Nike & Han, Xingxu, 2026. "Exploring the role of digital inclusive finance in narrowing gender income inequality: an analysis of the mediating effect of educational attainment," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 101(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:101:y:2026:i:c:s1544612326005647
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2026.110035
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