Gender and Entrepreneurship: Micro Level Perspective and Analysis on Gender Related Challenges in Jammu and Kashmir

Abstract

Entrepreneurship when generally discussed is more often referred as an endeavor of man. It is a matter of fact that across the ages man is found to dominate the area of entrepreneurship and women have rarely come into play as they are found to pursue family and society satisfying roles more than economic associated roles. The fact that for a place like Jammu and Kashmir, the foremost thing that makes people to be what they want to be or not to be, is quite effectively determined by the social construct of the very place. Be it gender or be it the consideration of constraints around, both play a significant role in creating a certain social structure which determines the carrier prospects of people over there. The paper aims to present a micro level perspective and analysis of challenges that women encounter while choosing to be entrepreneurs, breaking the age old shackles and stereotypes of marginalizing women entrepreneurs by considering entrepreneurship are male gendered only. The research undertaken is quite interpretative in nature and capitalizes exclusively on women entrepreneurs. The study attempts to explore the interpretations and perceptions of women entrepreneurs of Jammu and Kashmir regarding their stints in the hitherto male dominated world and ventures. It also throws some light on the contribution of women entrepreneurship in the economic development of the family in general and that of state in particular.