The socio-cultural aspects of the female entrepreneurship model

Abstract

Women entrepreneurs throughout the world face various gender, social and culturally based barriers that can affect their interest, willingness and ability to start and grow a business. Issues such as property (matrimonial and inheritance), familial and social roles, and cultural expectations and practises can be significant factors in women's entrepreneurial activities and business development. This conceptually based paper discusses the historical context of women's entrepreneurial activities and the impact of the socio-cultural experience on women entrepreneurs. It introduces a socio-cultural entrepreneurial model and considers how the integration of both history and the socio-cultural experience influences women's perception, preparation, principles, practise and performance in business and their entrepreneurial model. Insights are shared on how the implications of the socio-cultural history and experience of women affect their engagement in today's economy and market.