This thesis seeks to explore the effects that socioeconomic and political changes can have on women's microentrepreneurship in emerging economies. Using Chile as an example, my research sought to answer whether women's microentrepreneurship in Chile is affected by these external factors, and if so, in what way?

Examining this increase through a sociopolitical and economic lens, I investigate trends in women-led entrepreneurship on a local level and compare them to current theories on global entrepreneurship and female small business owners. Through field observations and qualitative interviews with eight Chilean women entrepreneurs, the data shows that not only are they affected by external factors but that they also negate several existing theories on female entrepreneurship. It is my hope that this thesis will do two things: shed valuable insight on women's entrepreneurship in Chile and provide the framework to holistically analyze a country's unique ecosystem and its effect on women entrepreneurs..

Links to Project Materials:

Professional Projects 2020, Whitman School of Management 2020, 2020