The gendered effects of entrepreneurialism in contrasting contexts

Purpose Contrasting Sweden and Tanzania, this paper aims to explore the experiences of women entrepreneurs affected by entrepreneurialism. This study discusses impact on their position in society ability take feminist action. Design/methodology/approach analysed interviews conducted two countries over 15 years, using a holistic perspective context, including its gendered dimensions. Findings The results amount critique Women did not experience much gain from entrepreneurship, while Tanzania were mixed. Entrepreneurialism seems unable improve situation for relatively well-functioning economies global north, where it was designed. Research limitations/implications In mainstream entrepreneurship studies, there is focus institutional context. From analysis, apparent that equal attention must be given social spatial contexts, as they may have severe material economic consequences entrepreneurship. raises questions further studies gendering markets different well urban-rural dimension. Practical implications Sweden, marketisation welfare services led more women-owned businesses, but improve. strongly convey need careful analysis pre-existing before initiating reforms. Originality/value adds understanding context studies: Africa largely an underexplored continent contrasting North South methodological approach. extends develops model contexts developed Welter et al. (2014).