Ahmed, Nahed K H (2025) Female Entrepreneurship and Social Capital in the Gaza Strip. Doctoral thesis, York St John University.

Text (Doctoral thesis) Female Entrepreneurship and Social Capital in the Gaza Strip PhD thesis. Nahed Ahmed. Final copy .pdf - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only until 16 July 2026. Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Download (3MB) Request a copy

Abstract

This thesis examines how female entrepreneurship is shaped by social capital in the socio political and economic context of the Gaza Strip. It aims to understand the characteristics, motivations, and activities of female entrepreneurs, how social capital is understood and navigated, and the influence of women’s identities and broader contexts on their entrepreneurial journeys. The research adopts an intersectional lens, recognising the interplay of gender, socio-economic status, cultural heritage, and institutional frameworks in shaping entrepreneurial experiences.

The study employs a qualitative methodology, drawing on in-depth interviews with female entrepreneurs in Gaza Strip. It identifies key themes, including the diverse motivations driving entrepreneurship, from economic necessity to cultural preservation, and the role of social capital in navigating systemic barriers. Social capital, encompassing formal institutional networks and informal family and community ties, emerges as both an enabler and a constraint. While formal networks provide critical resources like funding, training, and mentorship, they are often marred by systemic inefficiencies and gendered biases. Informal networks offer emotional and financial support but can perpetuate dependency and patriarchal norms.

Findings highlight the intersectional challenges women face, such as limited access to resources, restrictive cultural norms, and the broader impact of Gaza’s protracted conflict and blockade. However, women also demonstrate remarkable resilience, leveraging digital platforms and innovative strategies to sustain and grow their businesses. These findings contribute to the theoretical discourse on female entrepreneurship and social capital by integrating intersectionality and emphasising the contextual specificities of conflict-affected regions.

The thesis proposes targeted recommendations for policymakers and practitioners, including fostering inclusive institutional frameworks, enhancing the role of informal networks, and leveraging digital tools to expand entrepreneurial opportunities. It also identifies avenues for future research, such as exploring the long-term impacts of digital entrepreneurship and comparative studies in similar conflict-affected regions.

In conclusion, this thesis provides an understanding of the entrepreneurial journeys of women in Gaza Strip, illustrating how social capital, in its diverse forms, shapes their pathways to economic and cultural empowerment. It offers valuable insights for academia, policy, and practice, advocating for integrated and context-sensitive approaches to support female entrepreneurship in challenging environments

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Status:	Published
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) H Social Sciences > HF Commerce
School/Department:	York Business School
URI:	https://ray.yorksj.ac.uk/id/eprint/12306

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