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Trailing Wives and Constrained Agency Among Women Migrant Entrepreneurs: An Intersectional Perspective

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  • Paul Lassalle
  • Eleanor Shaw

Abstract

This article applies an intersectional lens to analyze the lived experience of 11 women migrant entrepreneurs based in the UK. We adopt structuration as our ontology to analyze intersectionality in entrepreneurship at the interplay of macro-level structures and micro-level agency, addressing tensions between determinism and subjectivism. Findings show that women migrant entrepreneurs are trailing wives who experience constrained agency which influences their entrepreneurial activities. By highlighting the specific issues faced by entrepreneurs situated at the intersection of the oppressive structures of patriarchy and outsidership, we advance the intersectional agenda in entrepreneurship research and policymaking.

Suggested Citation

  • Paul Lassalle & Eleanor Shaw, 2021. "Trailing Wives and Constrained Agency Among Women Migrant Entrepreneurs: An Intersectional Perspective," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 45(6), pages 1496-1521, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:entthe:v:45:y:2021:i:6:p:1496-1521
    DOI: 10.1177/1042258721990331
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    3. Isakova, Elina & Stroila, Iulia, 2025. "Turning the tables towards gender inclusivity in entrepreneurial ecosystems," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 200(C).
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    6. Anna Brattström & Karl Wennberg, 2022. "The Entrepreneurial Story and its Implications for Research," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 46(6), pages 1443-1468, November.
    7. Sundas Hussain & Natalia Vershinina & Charlotte Carey, 2025. "Defying the Odds? Multiple disadvantage as a Source of Entrepreneurial Action," Post-Print hal-04931667, HAL.

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