Co-Entrepreneurship, Work-Family Balance, and Women in Informal Small Businesses: Contextual Perspectives

Women’s entrepreneurship presents a rich area of inquiry that raises numerous questions about the broader societal and economic context. While substantial research has focused on women entrepreneurs in formal sectors within advanced Western economies, there is a notable lack of attention to women involved in informal small business operations. This study, part of an ICSSR-IMPRESS funded project, utilizes empirical data gathered from selected neighbourhoods in Delhi and Odisha to investigate how women’s co-entrepreneurial activities in small business economies are situated within gendered spaces. The analysis explores how women’s entrepreneurial identities are influenced by evolving socio-economic structures and their roles as mothers. The findings reveal that women’s entrepreneurial experiences are significantly shaped by a neoliberal dualism, balancing market demands with family responsibilities. Gender role identities profoundly impact their choice of business ventures, work hours, product offerings, and work-life balance. Drawing on theories from gender studies and sociology, this paper provides an empirical examination of female entrepreneurship, highlighting its distinctive nature and challenging conventional notions of entrepreneurship primarily as a vehicle for wealth creation.