Making the link: Households and small business activity in a multi-ethnic context

The 'family' is frequently mentioned in assessments of the apparent distinctiveness of ethnic minority enterprise. Family involvement can account for the 'success' of some ethnic groups, and low rates of small business activity in others. Implicitly, such debates are recognition of the importance of the nature of the household and small business. However, few studies in Britain make explicit the link between household dynamics and ethnic minority business activity. This paper examines how households from a variety of ethnic communities impinge upon 'family' enterprise operating in the independent restaurant sector. In-depth interviews with family members from 37 micro-business households are drawn upon to illuminate three particular issues: the role of family members in the business; the impact of household dynamics on business activity; and the nature of 'second-generation' involvement in the family business. The findings highlight the gendered nature of roles within the micro-business household, and the importance of extended family ties to small business activity. However, the involvement of predominantly second-generation family members could not be regarded as an example of uncomplicated family collectivities at work. Rather, their presence was more a product of limited labour market choices, socialisation, and power relations within the household.