Young entrepreneurs gaining legitimacy: What is the role of gender in the attainment of legitimacy as a young female- or young male entrepreneur in the technology sector?

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2021-07-15
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en
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Multiple studies are executed in the domain of entrepreneurship and legitimacy. However, this study dives into the under researched aspect of intersectionality of multiple social constructs. Namely, the role of age and gender in the attainment of legitimacy in the technology sector in the Netherlands. Consequently, the goal of this research is to investigate whether there are differences and similarities in the way young male- and young female entrepreneurs construct their identity to gain legitimacy from external stakeholders in this male dominated industry. Therefore, the aim of this research is to explore the identity work that young male - and young female entrepreneurs undertake to gain legitimacy in a masculine industry as the technology sector. Accordingly, the following research question has been developed: Which role does gender play in the attainment of legitimacy for young male and female entrepreneurs in the technology sector? Therefore, literature study has been executed and four identity work strategies emerged. Six young male – and six young female entrepreneurs are interviewed. Firstly, to gain an insight in their experiences of being a young male- or young female entrepreneur in the technology sector. Subsequently, to gain insight in de differences and similarities regarding the identity work they perform in order to gain legitimacy from external stakeholders. The results show that both young male- and young female entrepreneurs in this study experience disadvantages i.e., negative situations due to the intersection of their gender- and age identity. Moreover, both do perceive several advantages i.e., positive situations due to their gender identity as well. However, the intersection of their gender identity with their age identity seems to diminish the extent to which they are perceived as legitimate entrepreneurs by external stakeholders. Hence, to gain legitimacy from external stakeholders, identity work is performed by all twelve interviewed entrepreneurs. Cognitive-, physical- and discursive identity work strategies are used, but carried out in different ways to cope with the intersection of their gender- and age identity. Additionally, a strategy is used that concerns bringing an external individual that fits the image of the stereotypical entrepreneur to cope with the intersection of their gender-and age identity.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen