Gender and entrepreneurship: past achievements and future possibilities

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this short commentary reflects upon how feminist theory might be used to advance the contemporary gendered critique of women’s entrepreneurship. Drawing from gender theory, a diverse and complex critique has arisen to challenge the discriminatory discourse of entrepreneurship that fundamentally disadvantages women. To progress debate, the author suggests that greater attention should be afforded to feminist theories as explanatory analyses for such subordination and particularly to challenge contemporary postfeminist ideas which fuel a false promise of entrepreneurship for women.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual paper drawing upon extant literature to develop suggestions for future research .FindingsConceptual arguments challenging current approaches to analysing the relationship between women, gender and entrepreneurship.Research limitations/implicationsSomewhat controversially, it is suggested that such a critique might encourage us to refocus research such that it challenges, rather than seeks to confirm, the axiom that under current conditions, entrepreneurship is “good” for women and society so ergo, we need more women entrepreneurs. Greater acknowledgement of feminist theory will also facilitate a stronger intersectional analysis, vital if we are to acknowledge how socio-economic and contextual diversity constrains or enables entrepreneurial behaviour.Social implicationsThis article challenges contemporary researchers to reconsider current thinking regarding the value of entrepreneurial activity for women.Originality/valueThe commentary concludes by identifying how the next generation of scholars might take such ideas forward to build upon established foundations.