The Paradox of Gender Equality and Female Entrepreneurship

Sammanfattning: Title: The Paradox of Gender Equality and Female Entrepreneurship; A study seeking to elucidate the perceptions and value systems that underlie entrepreneurial activity among women in Sweden Seminar date: January 10th, 2024 Course: FEKH99, Bachelor Degree Project in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, Business administration, Undergraduate level, 15 University Credit Points Authors: Stella Berlin, Emma Lisnell Advisor: Ziad El-Awad Keywords: Female entrepreneurship; Values; Attitude; Perceptions; Self-Efficacy Research question: How do the inherent value systems surrounding women in Sweden influence their intentions, decisions, and actions in the pursuit of entrepreneurship? Purpose: Extend existing research to provide a nuanced exploration of the value systems influencing Swedish women's perceptions, intentions, and engagement in entrepreneurship. Methodology: A qualitative multiple case study with a comparative element. Purposive sampling with semi-structured interviews for the foundation of all empirical data. Theoretical perspective: The theoretical perspective of this study is based on how women's values shape their attitudes toward entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial self-efficacy, impacting their intentions and actions. Analyzing the connections between values, attitudes, self-efficacy, and entrepreneurial behaviors to identify patterns. Result: Parental expectations influence the perception of career choices. Women with entrepreneurial parents perceive entrepreneurship as less dramatic. Life experiences shape values and perceptions of the consequences of failure. Entrepreneurs view entrepreneurial attributes as relatable; non-entrepreneurs distance themselves from these attributes. Dissatisfaction with prior employment fuels female entrepreneurship. Familial exposure to entrepreneurs amplifies belief in personal ability. Conclusions: Upbringing and life incidents are pivotal in shaping individuals' value systems. Impact on Attitudes: Women's attitudes toward entrepreneurship are closely tied to these value systems, influencing their perception of entrepreneurship as a career option. While a factor, entrepreneurial self-efficacy alone doesn't determine entrepreneurial desire. Participants share a belief in their abilities, but the desire to start a business varies, highlighting the role of attitude and underlying value systems.