Empowerment and Entrepreneurship: A Theoretical Framework

June 28, 2013 Editor 0

Abstract

Purpose – This paper develops an empirically informed conceptual framework to analyse the gendered relationship between empowerment and entrepreneurship contextualised within the lives of displaced Palestinian migrant women operating home-based enterprises in Amman, Jordan.

Design/methodology/approach – A longitudinal qualitative study, spanning a decade, was undertaken during which semi-structured in-depth interviews were regularly conducted with forty three women producing high quality traditional embroidered goods within home based enterprises. The empirical material was utilised to inform and illustrate the creation of an empowerment framework.Findings – Entrepreneurship is popularly presented as an individually focused economic undertaking. However, this paper demonstrates it is also a socio-politically situated activity; within this particular context, marginalised subordinated women were empowered through their home based enterprises to gain a voice and visibility within their community whilst effecting change and development.

Originality/value – This paper offers a significant contribution in providing a gender informed theoretical framework to inform the analyses of empowerment and entrepreneurship. The discussion describes the necessary processes for development goals to be realised, and explains how traditionally subordinated women can utilise enterprise to contribute to social change. In so doing, the proposed conceptual framework acts as a theoretical illustration of the gendered relationship between empowerment and entrepreneurship.

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Categories: Entrepreneurship

Tags: empowerment and entrepreneurship, gendered relationship