Overcoming the Odds: an Assessment of the Instinctiveness of Refugees and Migrants

Abstract

The paper explores the influence of socio-cultural factors on entrepreneurial acumen among migrants. It focuses on ethnic groups and how their stature in society has served as a motivating factor for their ilk in pursuing entrepreneurial activities outside their countries of origin. The paper draws on a number of theoretical strands—social instincts hypothesis, theory of displacement and the resilience dynamics—to understand why some of the entrepreneurial spirit remains a dominant element in their cultures. It finds that the entrepreneurial activities of migrants serve as a focal point to address their issues. It is also serves as their world of hope, destiny and future whilst being a symbol of their narrative too.