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

Ahl, Helene; Marlow, Susan

Abstract

Exploring the false promise of entrepreneurship through a postfeminist critique of the enterprise policy discourse in Sweden and the UK. Abstract Contemporary theories of neoliberalism and entrepreneurship are entwined; both hinge upon the use of agency within free markets to realise 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.

Citation

Ahl, H., & Marlow, S. (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), 41-68. https://doi.org/10.1177/0018726719848480

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 3, 2019
• Online Publication Date: May 19, 2019
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2021
• Deposit Date: Apr 29, 2019
• Publicly Available Date: May 1, 2019
• Journal: Human Relations
• Print ISSN: 0018-7267
• Electronic ISSN: 1741-282X
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 74
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 41-68
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0018726719848480
• Keywords: gender; entrepreneurship; policy; postfeminism; equality
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1849133
• Publisher URL: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0018726719848480
• Contract Date: Apr 29, 2019