eISSN: 3087-4084 editor@aimjournals.com
All Journals
Submit your article

International Journal of Management and Business Development

Open Access Peer Review International
Open Access

NAVIGATING ECONOMIC BARRIERS: THE RISE OF SURVIVALIST ENTREPRENEURSHIP AMONG AFRICAN AMERICAN MEN

DOI https://doi.org/10.55640/ijmbd-v02i02-01
PDF
Tyrone Lewis 1 , James Walker 1 , David Robinson 1 ,
4 Associate Professor of Business and Economics, Department of Business Administration, University of Chicago
4 Associate Professor of Business and Economics, Department of Business Administration, University of Chicago
4 Associate Professor of Business and Economics, Department of Business Administration, University of Chicago

Abstract

This article explores the concept of survivalist entrepreneurship among African American men, focusing on how economic necessity drives business ownership within this demographic. Survivalist entrepreneurship refers to the process of starting a business not out of opportunity, but as a response to limited employment opportunities, systemic discrimination, and economic marginalization. African American men often face higher unemployment rates, lower wages, and barriers to career advancement due to persistent racial inequalities in the labor market. As a result, entrepreneurship becomes a critical tool for financial survival and empowerment. Through a comprehensive review of literature, case studies, and interviews with African American entrepreneurs, this study examines the motivations, challenges, and strategies that shape their businesses. The article highlights the role of resilience and innovation in overcoming obstacles such as limited access to capital, professional networks, and mentorship. Furthermore, it explores the impact of digital technologies and e-commerce in expanding opportunities for African American entrepreneurs. This study offers a deeper understanding of how survivalist entrepreneurship functions as both a coping mechanism and a pathway to empowerment for African American men in the face of economic adversity.

Keywords

Survivalist Entrepreneurship, African American Men, Economic Necessity

References

📄 Austin, A. The Jobs Crisis for Black Men Is a Lot Worse than You Think; Center for Economic and Policy Research: Washington, DC, USA, 2021. [Google Scholar]
📄 Adjeiwaa-Manu, N. Unemployment Data by Race and Ethnicity, 2019. Available online: https://www.globalpolicysolutions.org (accessed on 28 May 2024).
📄 NCES. Degrees Conferred by Race/Ethnicity and Sex, 2020. Available online: https://www.nces.ed.gov (accessed on 28 May 2024).
📄 zippia.com. Entrepreneur Demographics and Statistics in the US, 2022. Available online: https://www.zippia.com/entrepreneur-jobs/demographics/ (accessed on 28 May 2024).
📄 Henderson, T. Black Families Fall Further Behind on Homeownership, 2022. Available online: https://www.pewtrusts.org (accessed on 28 May 2024).
📄 Smith, J.T. Ex-Prisoners Face Headwinds as Job Seekers, Even as Openings Abound. 2023. Available online: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/06/business/economy/jobs-hiring-after-prison.html#:~:text=An%20estimated%2060%20percent%20of,are%20unemployed%20a%20year%20later (accessed on 28 May 2024).
📄 Boyd, R.L. Survivalist Entrepreneurship among Urban Blacks during the Great Depression: A Test of the Disadvantage Theory of Business Enterprise. Soc. Sci. Q. 2000, 81, 972–984. [Google Scholar]
📄 Abdullah, T.; Lee, C.; Carr, N. Do survivalists deserve to be called entrepreneurs? The case of hospitality micro-entrepreneurs in Indonesia. Hosp. Soc. 2023, 13, 113–136. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
📄 Choto, P.; Tengeh, R.K.; Iwu, C.G. Daring to survive or to grow? The growth aspirations and challenges of survivalist entrepreneurs in South Africa. Environ. Econ. 2014, 5, 93–101. [Google Scholar]
📄 Temkin, B. Informal Self-Employment in Developing Countries: Entrepreneurship or Survivalist Strategy? Some Implications for Public Policy. Anal. Soc. Issues Public Policy 2009, 9, 135–156. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
📄 Tengeh, R.K.; Choto, P. The relevance and challenges of business incubators that support survivalist entrepreneurs. Investig. Manag. Financ. Innov. 2015, 12, 150–161. [Google Scholar]
📄 Gudeta, A. Survivalist Women Entrepreneur’s Motivation and the Hurdles to Succeed in Ethiopia. Eur. J. Bus. Manag. 2018, 10, 89–94. [Google Scholar]
📄 Iwu, C.G.; Opute, A.P. Eradicating poverty and unemployment: Narratives of survivalist entrepreneurs. J. Rev. Glob. Econ. 2019, 8, 1438–1451. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
📄 Mapuranga, M.; Maziriri, E.T.; Rukuni, T.F. A hand to mouth existence: Hurdles emanating from the COVID-19 pandemic for women survivalist entrepreneurs in Johannesburg, South Africa. Afr. J. Gend. Soc. Dev. 2021, 10, 113. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
📄 Agbényiga, D.L.; Ahmedani, B.K. Utilizing social work skills to enhance entrepreneurship training for women: A Ghanaian perspective. J. Community Pract. 2008, 16, 423–440. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
📄 de Groot, J.; Mohlakoana, N.; Knox, A.; Bressers, H. Fuelling women’s empowerment? An exploration of the linkages between gender, entrepreneurship and access to energy in the informal food sector. Energy Res. Soc. Sci. 2017, 28, 86–97. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
📄 Light, I. Disadvantaged Minorities in Self-Employment. Comp. Sociol. 1979, 20, 31–45. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
📄 Light, I.H.; Rosenstein, C.N. Race, Ethnicity, and Entrepreneurship in Urban America; Aldine de Gruyter: New York, NY, USA, 1995. [Google Scholar]
📄 Light, I.H.; Gold, S.J. Ethnic Economies; Academic Press: San Diego, CA, USA, 2000. [Google Scholar]
📄 Asoba, S.N.; Patricia, N.M. The profit motive and the enabling environment for growth of survivalist township entrepreneurship: A study at a township in Cape Town. Acad. Entrep. J. 2021, 27, 1–10. [Google Scholar]
📄 Bates, T.M. Banking on Black Enterprise: The Potential of Emerging Firms for Revitalizing Urban Economies; University Press of America: Lanham, MD, USA, 1993. [Google Scholar]
📄 Boston, T.D. The role of black-owned businesses in black community development. In Jobs and Economic Development in Minority Communities; Temple University Press: Philadelphia, PA, USA, 2006; pp. 161–175. [Google Scholar]
📄 Boston, T.D. Affirmative Action and Black Entrepreneurship; Routledge: London, UK, 1999. [Google Scholar]
📄 Dure, E. Black Women Are the Fastest Growing Group of Entrepreneurs. But the Job Isn’t Easy. 2021. Available online: https://www.jpmorgan.com/insights/business/business-planning/black-women-are-the-fastest-growing-group-of-entrepreneurs-but-the-job-isnt-easy (accessed on 28 May 2024).
📄 Leppert, R. A Look at Black-Owned Businesses in the U.S. 2023. Available online: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/02/21/a-look-at-black-owned-businesses-in-the-u-s/ (accessed on 28 May 2024).
📄 Gibbs, S.R. The Bitter Truth: A Comparative Analysis of Black Male and Black Female Entrepreneurs. J. Dev. Entrep. 2014, 19, 1–18. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]

Similar Articles

1-10 of 19

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.