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Gender attitudes and business venturing in low gender egalitarianism culture: a study of Egypt and Jordan

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Listed:
  • Bach Nguyen

    (University of Exeter Business School)

  • Muntasir Shami

    (Aston University)

  • Fujia Li

    (University of Exeter Business School)

Abstract

This study examines the link between individuals’ gender attitudes and their engagement in entrepreneurial activities. Grounded in the social feminist perspective within institutional theory, the research posits that those holding egalitarian views on gender are more inclined to participate in business ventures. The analysis focuses on Egypt and Jordan, where institutional frameworks of gender-based discrimination significantly shape social dynamics. Employing an instrumental variable approach to address endogeneity concerns, the findings suggest a positive association between egalitarian gender attitudes and involvement in entrepreneurship. This relationship appears particularly pronounced for women, older individuals, and those with higher educational attainment. Given the limited understanding of how gender attitudes influence entrepreneurial engagement, this study contributes to the literature by identifying which attitudes may foster greater involvement in business venturing. Furthermore, it adds value by examining the relatively underexplored contexts of Egypt and Jordan.

Suggested Citation

  • Bach Nguyen & Muntasir Shami & Fujia Li, 2025. "Gender attitudes and business venturing in low gender egalitarianism culture: a study of Egypt and Jordan," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 64(4), pages 2153-2177, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:sbusec:v:64:y:2025:i:4:d:10.1007_s11187-024-00978-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s11187-024-00978-0
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Gender attitudes; Business venturing; Social feminism; Institutional theory; MENA countries;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • P48 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Other Economic Systems - - - Legal Institutions; Property Rights; Natural Resources; Energy; Environment; Regional Studies
    • M13 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - New Firms; Startups

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