Family and entrepreneurship

Abstract

Singapore government’s investments in economic infrastructures for development of local entrepreneurial activities have yield reasonable success. However, social aspects of entrepreneurship remain understudied. The goal of this research paper is to explore relationship between families and entrepreneurship, in particular, how families, as a form of distributor for capitals and site for reproduction of values, norms and beliefs, influences formation of entrepreneurial intention. Eight unstructured interviews on Entrepreneurs and Non-Entrepreneurs were conducted. Analysis was done based on theoretical framework laid by Bourdieu and Coleman in their understanding of capitals and Shapero and Sokol in their understanding of entrepreneurial intention. Findings suggests distinct differences in perceived desirability and feasibility between Entrepreneurs and Non-Entrepreneurs. Family as a site for reproduction of values, norms and beliefs does in fact have certain influence over perceived desirability of entrepreneurship. However, respondents in this study do not seem to perceive families as a form of distributor for capitals that are beneficial in promoting entrepreneurial intention.