The Intersection of Entrepreneurial Identity and Ethnic Identity: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Black African Migrant Entrepreneurs in the UK

Abstract

Recently, entrepreneurship research is beginning to identify how identity shapes the practice and discourse of entrepreneurship. This burgeoning stream of research explores how multiple dimensions of identity intersect, to create and reproduce inequality in entrepreneurship. This study builds on such area of research to explore the role of identity in entrepreneurship. In particular, it explores the intersection of entrepreneurial identity and ethnic identity among black African migrants practising entrepreneurship in Britain. The research focuses on the question: ‘how do black African migrant entrepreneurs balance, negotiate and experience their (potentially disparate) identities as ‘entrepreneurs’ and ‘ethnic minorities’ within their lives?’ Qualitative data was elicited by phenomenologically exploring the narratives of the lived experiences of participants. The analysis is based on the different ways black migrant entrepreneurs perceive, interpret and make sense of their identity in entrepreneurship. Research findings show the pervasiveness of whiteness in entrepreneurship. The entrepreneurial space in Britain structurally excludes black ethnic identity. Structural forces that create and sustain inequality in the labour market are also at play in entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship is a site of identity negotiation. To navigate this entrepreneurial space, they employed different dramaturgical performances and enacted certain identity work such as hard work and different masking strategies, in their attempt to be seen as legitimate entrepreneurial actors. Ethnicity plays different roles in entrepreneurship. It is perceived as a source of advantage for exploring ethnic and co-ethnic markets and as a source of disadvantage for accessing mainstream markets in the host country. Findings show the gendered nature of identity work, as black female migrant entrepreneurs tend to compensate more for their identity in entrepreneurship. This research contributes to the study of migrant entrepreneurship by showing how intersectional identities influence entrepreneurial venturing and activities.