APPLYING A FEMINIST CARE ETHIC TO THE GENDER-BASED HURDLES OF WOMEN TOURISM ENTREPRENEURS IN RURAL INDIA: INSIGHTS FROM BOLPUR-SANTINIKETAN
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18065309Keywords:
Social vulnerability, Gender, Social inequality, Women entrepreneurs, EquitableAbstract
Women entrepreneurs in rural India, especially in West Bengal, are increasingly contributing to the tourism economy. The state leads the country with 23.4% of women-owned Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), reflecting a progressive approach to empowerment. In rural areas, women are utilising local resources and cultural heritage to establish tourism-related businesses such as homestays, guided tours, and handicraft enterprises. This research directly examines how the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Bolpur-Santiniketan supports women entrepreneurs through gender equity initiatives in confronting gender-based obstacles. The study is based on a conceptual framework from feminist theory and the ethic of care. This perspective argues that the region's entrepreneurial culture, while strongly rooted in transgenerational know-how, is simultaneously constrained by pervasive patriarchal structures and deep social vulnerability. Methodologically, we employed a qualitative approach, utilising semi-structured interviews with entrepreneurs and stakeholders. The data was analysed through a feminist lens to explore the lived experiences within this ecosystem. Our findings analyse and reveal three main gender equity issues: (i) 'Entrepreneuring and the Motherhood Penalty'; (ii) 'The Gender Entrepreneurship Binary: Balancing Pursuit and Nurturing'; and (iii) 'Social Conditioning and Gender Norms: Reinforcing Gender Inequities.' The analysis shows these are direct results of systemic biases and social inequality, critically limiting business growth and personal agency. Based on our findings, we highlight specific gender biases and suggest pathways to promote equity. In conclusion, this study presents a theoretical framework to understand and address these inequalities comprehensively and to strengthen the success of women entrepreneurs. This adds to feminist scholarship and offers policymakers practical, actionable guidance to cultivate a more equitable and supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
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