Exploring the false promise of entrepreneurship through a postfeminist critique of the enterprise policy discourse in Sweden and the UK.

Ahl, Helene and Marlow, Susan (2021) Exploring the false promise of entrepreneurship through a postfeminist critique of the enterprise policy discourse in Sweden and the UK. Human Relations, 74 (1). pp. 41-68. ISSN 0018-7267

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Abstract

Contemporary theories of neoliberalism and entrepreneurship are entwined; both hinge upon the use of agency within free markets to realize individual potential, enhance status and attain material rewards. Postfeminism, as a discrete but related discourse, suggests this context is conducive to encouraging women to draw upon their agency, skills and personal profile to enhance achievements and returns. We draw from these related, but discrete discourses, when critically analysing how postfeminist assumptions shape Swedish and UK government policies aimed at expanding women’s entrepreneurship. Despite differing historical antecedents regarding state engagement with equality and welfare regimes, we illustrate how postfeminist assumptions have infiltrated policy initiatives in both cases. This infiltration has, we suggest, suppressed criticisms that in a context of persistent structural discrimination, lack of welfare benefits and contrived aspirational role models, entrepreneurship constitutes a poor career choice for many women. Consequently, we challenge the value of contemporary policy initiatives encouraging more women to enter entrepreneurship.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Human Relations
Additional Information:
The final, definitive version of this article has been published in the Journal, Human Relations, 74 (1), 2019, © SAGE Publications Ltd, 2019 by SAGE Publications Ltd at the Human Relations page: https://journals.sagepub.com/home/hum on SAGE Journals Online: http://journals.sagepub.com/
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/1400/1408
Subjects:
?? entrepreneurshipequalitygenderpolicypostfeminismstrategy and managementsocial sciences(all)management of technology and innovation ??
ID Code:
133874
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
22 Jun 2019 09:13
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
20 Jan 2024 00:21