Latin American Microentrepreneurs: Trajectories and Meanings about Informal Work

Marcela Benites,Luis Armando Becerra-Pérez,Ángel Acevedo-Duque,Graciela Tristancho Cediel,Romel Ramón González-Díaz

doi:10.3390/su13105449

Abstract

Latin America has suffered for many years deep economic, political, and social problems that have led to high levels of unemployment. Therefore, microentrepreneurship has been a way out of these precarious economic systems. This research presents an interpretative hermeneutic analysis of the meaning of work for microentrepreneurs in the metropolitan region of Lima, Peru. The qualitative naturalistic methodology was used and data were obtained through 24 interviews with microentrepreneurs according to inclusion criteria such as: located in the metropolitan region of Lima (divided into 4 regions: A, B, C, and D), more than 5 years of experience, more than 25 years of age, university level of study and having had a formal job. The data were processed through ATLAS.ti9, which allowed us to analyze the discourses of the microentrepreneurs. The main findings show the following emerging categories: Motivation for entrepreneurship, Advantages of self-employment, relationship with stakeholders or interest groups, and family involvement in the business. It is concluded that Latin American microentrepreneurs associate entrepreneurship as an opportunity to improve their quality of life and establish relationships with stakeholders, with the family playing a key role in the success or failure of the business.

Highlights

IntroductionBy 2030, the Sustainable Development Goals enhance and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all people, regardless of age, gender, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, economic or other status [1]
The interviews with microentrepreneurs were obtained according to inclusion criteria such as: located in the metropolitan region of Lima, more than 5 years of experience, more than 25 years of age
It is concluded that Latin American microentrepreneurs associate entrepreneurship as an opportunity to improve their quality of life and establish relationships with stakeholders, with the family playing a key role in the success or failure of the business

Summary

Introduction

By 2030, the Sustainable Development Goals enhance and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all people, regardless of age, gender, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, economic or other status [1]. This tends to promote developmentoriented policies that support productive activities, such as the creation of decent jobs, entrepreneurship, creativity, innovation and the promotion of the formalisation and growth of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, and access to financial services, the latter being the responsibility of each nation. It is understood that it is the individual and motivational characteristics that determine whether the individual undertakes or not; these characteristics can be objective and/or subjective, ranging from tangible (money, assets, inheritances, etc.) to intangible (culture, experience, status, background, etc.)

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Discussion

Conclusion