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Forms of capital, mixed embeddedness and Somali enterprise

Author

Listed:
  • Monder Ram

    (De Montfort University, Leicester, UK, mram@dmu.ac.uk)

  • Nicholas Theodorakopoulos

    (De Montfort University, Leicester, UK, ntheodor@dmu.ac.uk)

  • Trevor Jones

    (De Montfort University, Leicester, UK)

Abstract

What form is small business activity taking among new migrants in the UK? This question is addressed by examining the case of Somalis in the English city of Leicester.We apply a novel synthesis of the Nee and Sanders' (2001) `forms of capital' model with the `mixed embeddedness' approach (Rath, 2000) to enterprises established by newly arrived immigrant communities, combining agency and structure perspectives. Data are drawn from business-owners (and workers) themselves, rather than community representatives. Face-to-face in-depth interviews were held with 25 business owners and 25 employees/`helpers', supplemented by 3 focus group encounters with different segments of the Somali business population.The findings indicate that a reliance solely on social capital explanations is not sufficient. An adequate understanding of business dynamics requires an appreciation of how Somalis mobilize different forms of capital within a given political, social and economic context.

Suggested Citation

  • Monder Ram & Nicholas Theodorakopoulos & Trevor Jones, 2008. "Forms of capital, mixed embeddedness and Somali enterprise," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 22(3), pages 427-446, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:woemps:v:22:y:2008:i:3:p:427-446
    DOI: 10.1177/0950017008093479
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Trevor Jones & Monder Ram & Paul Edwards, 2006. "Ethnic minority business and the employment of illegal immigrants," Entrepreneurship & Regional Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 18(2), pages 133-150, March.
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