An Investigation into the Social and Cultural Impediments to Female Entrepreneurship in Ireland

Purpose: This study explores the perspective of females on entrepreneurship, stereotypes about female entrepreneurship, and socio-cultural factors that impede female entrepreneurship in Ireland. The study suggests future policies that impact female entrepreneurship in Ireland. These objectives were met by an inductive method with an investigate focus. Research question and objective: What are socio-cultural barriers to female entrepreneurs in Ireland. Subsequent questions are the degree to which socio-cultural factors stop or motivate women from starting entrepreneurial ventures in Ireland. Lastly, does the national culture celebrates, encourage, or supports female entrepreneurship. First, the research investigates the impact of gender, stereotypes, and socio-cultural impediments on female entrepreneurship in Ireland. Lastly, the study seeks to suggest future policies for reducing the barriers to female entrepreneurship in Ireland. Motivation: Personal drive to see more women involved and have influence in creating entrepreneurial ventures. A campaign to see policies on entrepreneurship that provides an enabling environment for new and existing female entrepreneurs to thrive. Design/Methodology/Approach: The paper utilises a qualitative approach through in-depth interviews with five prospective entrepreneurs and five active entrepreneurs and official documents on female entrepreneurship indicators in Ireland. Data were analysed using thematic coding, NVivo software, and mind maps. Findings: Gender and stereotypes impact the level of female-owned businesses in Ireland. Some socio-cultural factors that affect female entrepreneurship identified by participants include lack of role models, social issues, lack of entrepreneurial education, fear of failure, risk, and lack of requisite skillset. Significant factors such as non-supportive norms, close-mindedness, adversarial culture towards immigrant women, and lack of networking in the Irish culture impede female entrepreneurship. Originality/value: The paper develops an exploration into female entrepreneurship in their socio-cultural contexts