Gender Disparities in Entrepreneurship in Algeria: The Role of Family Influence on Young Women's Entrepreneurial Engagement.

Abstract

In recent decades, Algeria has witnessed a significant drop in gender gaps; however, gender disparity in entrepreneurship remains pronounced. Women in Algeria display a lower propensity to initiate new businesses compared to men. Prevailing analyses attributes this gender disparity to inherent traits, considering female as less risk-taking and confident and lacking key attributes for entrepreneurship. In this paper, we argue that entrepreneurial action is socially embedded, individuals’ future decisions regarding entrepreneurship are significantly affected by social context, particularly family. The research explores how family characteristics impact entrepreneurial pursuits and how family embeddedness affects female's venture creation. Utilizing data from the 2016 SAHWA Youth Survey in Algeria, results reveal that young Algerian female exhibit a lower inclination toward entrepreneurship. Parental educational levels, especially the father's, negatively influence young female's entrepreneurial aspirations, while parental occupational status shows no significant effect. Additionally, highly educated female engages less in entrepreneurial endeavours.