Journal of University Studies

Journal of University Studies

The narratives of women entrepreneurs about the impact of higher education on entrepreneurial activities

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors
Z. Mirhosseini 1
Z. Shafiei 1
S. Ashuri 2
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Women and Family Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences and Economics, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
2 Student of Women and Family Studies, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
10.22035/jous.2023.5006.1030
Abstract
Over the past three decades, there has been a phenomenal increase in Iranian students in different levels of higher education. And according to the Iranian Statistical Center as reflected by the media, women have overtaken men in entering universities despite the fact that many of them do not get the opportunity to obtain official jobs. Thus, some of the female university graduates opt for entrepreneurship in order to participate in the socio-economic domain of the country. This study aims to understand the narratives of women entrepreneurs regarding the impact of higher education on their entrepreneurial activities. This is a qualitative research based on phenomenological studies. To this aim, in-depth interviews were conducted with 14 women entrepreneurs. Four main categories extracted include: passion/boredom contradiction, university as a platform for transformation, university as a medium for networking, and the academic field of creativity potentials. Additionally, ten sub-categories were: getting rid of official formalities and system subjugation as staff, nurturing or flourishing creativity and capability, learning fundamentals of entrepreneurship, changes in vision, personality growth and excellence, entrepreneurship and networking, entrepreneurial benefit from diligence to networking, ability and interest convergence in education, and educational guidance. The results indicate that universities are considered gateways to entrepreneurship for female students. Therefore, providing the grounds for establishing or connecting with various networks, promoting self-confidence and morale, and helping students flourish in their abilities will lead to the advancement of entrepreneurship among women and their social, family and individual status.
Keywords
entrepreneur women
communication networks
higher education
entrepreneurial activities
creativity
socio-economic capability

Subjects

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Journal of University Studies
Volume 1, Issue 3 - Serial Number 3
Spring 2023
Spring 2023
Pages 113-136

  • Receive Date 08 December 2022
  • Revise Date 01 March 2023
  • Accept Date 11 March 2023