Phenomenology of Women Entrepreneurship Across International Contexts - by Stacy Brecht & Séverine Le Loarne - Lemaire (Hardcover)

About the Book

This edited collection presents an in-depth examination of the subjective experiences of women entrepreneurs across diverse global contexts, and how they navigate, challenge, and redefine the gendered dynamics of entrepreneurship.

Book Synopsis

Entrepreneurship often brings to mind innovation, ambition, and strategic acumen, but it is also a field dominated by gendered narratives and masculine associations. Women entrepreneurs worldwide are breaking down these barriers, redefining entrepreneurial success, and developing strategies that reflect their unique experiences within gendered landscapes. Their journeys provide a valuable counterpoint to traditional stories of entrepreneurship, shifting the focus toward resilience, resourcefulness, and positive contributions that women bring to the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

This edited collection presents an in-depth examination of how women entrepreneurs across diverse global contexts navigate, challenge, and redefine the gendered dynamics of entrepreneurship. Drawing on a range of case studies and interviews from around the world, this volume is rooted in post-structural feminist theory and interpretative phenomenology to delve into the social constructions of gender and the subjective experiences of women entrepreneurs.

Backed by the Women and Economic Renewal Research Chair from the triple-accredited business school, Grenoble Ecole de Management, in Grenoble, France, Los Angeles-based Azusa Pacific University School of Business and Management in the United States, and an extensive international research network, the collection captures the voices of women who use local institutions, cultural practices, and their networks to succeed in sectors as varied as business, technology, and social enterprise.

From Africa, United States, Pakistan, France, Japan, India and China, these narratives collectively enrich the global conversation on women's entrepreneurship. Ideal for scholars, policymakers, and students of entrepreneurship and gender studies, this work offers a fresh perspective on the strategies and successes of women entrepreneurs, inspiring new avenues for research and practical approaches for supporting women in business worldwide.

Review Quotes

By showcasing a diversity of approaches, this book highlights what is possible in a world that too often downplays the economic and social potential of women's entrepreneurship, reducing it to a secondary activity generating micro-business or encourages women to "overcome psychological barriers" by adopting the so-called 'neutral' codes that, in practice, reflect dominant masculine norms. Refusing to confine women to ready-made prescriptions, the authors reveal just how diverse women's ambitions and achievements truly are, how varied their economic models and strategies can be, and how their ways of navigating and challenging bias--both their own and that of others--are grounded in pragmatic, solution-orientated action. It is precisely this diversity of approaches, practices, and solutions developed by women entrepreneurs that creates genuine value and provides a meaningful response to today's economic and societal challenges. It's a timely and valuable reminder.

--Marjolaine Feraille

This edited volume highlights the possibilities and potential for women's entrepreneurship through critical feminist perspectives and phenomenological research. By showcasing how female business owners overcome challenges across a variety of dimensions, the research demonstrates the important contributions of women to societies and economics across the globe. The book offers a powerful testament to the successes of women entrepreneurs in many different cultural contexts and engages in important conversations around agency and achievement.--Banu Ozkazanc-Pan

About the Author

Stacy Brecht, DBA is an Assistant Professor of Marketing and Entrepreneurship and Department Chair of Digital and Strategic Marketing at Azusa Pacific University (APU) in the Los Angeles area.

Séverine Le Loarne - Lemaire is a Full Professor at Grenoble Ecole de Management (France) and holds the FERE Research Chair "Women & Economic Renewal," which she founded in 2016.