Gender stereotypes and Gen Z: navigating gender beliefs transfer through entrepreneurial pitching
研究了Z世代如何受性别信念影响评估创业路演，以及他们的性别刻板印象经历如何影响创业意愿，为营造更包容的创业环境提供指导。
Purpose Drawing on status belief and gender framing theory, this study aims to investigate the interplay between gender and generation. As the world’s largest generational cohort, Generation Z has the potential to shape the future of entrepreneurship significantly. Two interrelated aspects are being explored in this study: how gender-based beliefs influence Gen Z individuals’ evaluation of entrepreneurial pitches and how their experiences with gender stereotypes shape their willingness to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities. Design/methodology/approach The study takes a qualitative approach, with the dataset comprising reflection texts collected in ProA (www.prolific.co) from 53 Gen Z respondents residing in Finland. The respondents’ written reflections were analyzed using critical discourse analysis. Findings Three discourses regarding Gen Z individuals’ perspectives on gender stereotypes and entrepreneurship were identified: (1) the focus of growth discourse on the pitch’s evaluation, (2) dual discourses on entrepreneurial careers and (3) intergenerational gender beliefs discourse. Originality/value This study provides insights into how Gen Z individuals navigate and potentially challenge gender stereotypes in their entrepreneurial pursuits, offering guidance for fostering more inclusive and equitable entrepreneurial environments.