Abstract
This doctoral thesis explores the complex dynamics of gender in entrepreneurship, focusing on how gender is co-constructed and co-displayed in both the frontstage (public presentations) and backstage (preparation) of entrepreneurial pitching. By drawing on dramaturgy, gender as a social structure, and entrepreneurship-as-practice literature, the thesis also investigates how gender operates across individual identities, interactions, and institutional norms.
The thesis consists of three empirical studies, two of which were conducted in Finland, and one conducted in Finland and partly in Sweden. The thesis follows a qualitative research design and is strongly informed by post-structural feminist theory. The empirical data is varied, including pitching videos (n= 99 short pitches), interviews (n= 18), and observation note data (n= 132 pages). The analysis approach is narrative and constructivist grounded theory.
The thesis contributes to gender and entrepreneurship research by showing how gender is embedded in entrepreneurial pitching performance and its practices both in the frontstage and in the backstage. It highlights the need to recognize and support diverse forms of entrepreneurial expression, especially those that do not conform to the dominant masculine ideals. By incorporating the perspectives of various entrepreneurial actors, the thesis highlights the need to adopt a pluralistic approach in entrepreneurship research. The research has societal implications by advocating for better awareness about gender issues in entrepreneurship, enabling entrepreneurial actors to reflect and initiate changes.
The thesis consists of three empirical studies, two of which were conducted in Finland, and one conducted in Finland and partly in Sweden. The thesis follows a qualitative research design and is strongly informed by post-structural feminist theory. The empirical data is varied, including pitching videos (n= 99 short pitches), interviews (n= 18), and observation note data (n= 132 pages). The analysis approach is narrative and constructivist grounded theory.
The thesis contributes to gender and entrepreneurship research by showing how gender is embedded in entrepreneurial pitching performance and its practices both in the frontstage and in the backstage. It highlights the need to recognize and support diverse forms of entrepreneurial expression, especially those that do not conform to the dominant masculine ideals. By incorporating the perspectives of various entrepreneurial actors, the thesis highlights the need to adopt a pluralistic approach in entrepreneurship research. The research has societal implications by advocating for better awareness about gender issues in entrepreneurship, enabling entrepreneurial actors to reflect and initiate changes.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| ISBN (Electronic) | 978-952-12-4512-1 |
| Publication status | Published - Jun 2025 |
| MoE publication type | E2 Popularised monograph |