Gender Marginalization and Entrepreneurial Motivation in the Global South

Abstract

Abstract Purpose This article sets out to the issues of gender marginalisation and entrepreneurial motivation are increasingly gaining interest in management, mainly to address social and gender exclusion. This paper explores the perceived differences in the motivating factors for women and men in choosing entrepreneurship as a career in a global south economy (Nigeria). This paper explores the perceived differences in the motivating factors for women and men in choosing entrepreneurship as a career in a global south economy (Nigeria). The study examines the role of patriarchy as it is perceived in Nigerian society, and how this might impact on the role of choosing entrepreneurship. These driving forces for entrepreneurship are typically divided into push and pull aspects. The push/pull theory is used to explore gender marginalisation, experienced by women in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach The primary data were collected from semi-structured interviews with 14 males and 16 female entrepreneurs in hospitality and real estate sector in Nigeria. This data was analysed inductively and intuitively using an adapted form of grounded theory analysis. We used this data to develop a robust understanding of different factors that motivate men and women to choose entrepreneurship within Nigerian society. Findings Findings demonstrate that while supportive macro environment may be apparent, the entrepreneurial process is characterised, by deep set gendered constructions which policy alone may struggle to change. This is even more apparent due to the various levels of intersecting factors, in this case gender, class and religion. Originality This work is set in the sub-Saharan context of Nigeria, the findings illuminate a complex web of forces and how they contribute to a multi-faceted motivation for entrepreneurship.