Gender Attitudes and Business Venturing: A Case Study of Egypt and Jordan

This study investigates the relationship between individuals’ gender attitudes and the likelihood of creating new business ventures. We employ social feminist theory and institutional theory and argue that people holding egalitarian attitudes towards sex roles are more likely to be involved in entrepreneurial activities. We further posit that the facilitating effect of egalitarian attitudes is more salient for the educated, the older and females. The empirical analysis uses Egypt and Jordan as the context provides some initial evidence about the positive impact of equalitarianism on new business venture creation. The study adds to research on gendered entrepreneurship.