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Epistemic injustice and epistemic resistance: an intersectional study of women’s entrepreneurship under occupation and patriarchy

Journal: Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice

Date: 2024

Author: Wojdan Omran, Shumaila Yousafzai

Abstract:
Women face unique challenges in their quest to achieve business success relative to men. Applying the theories of epistemic injustice and intersectionality, this study collectively analyzes the overlapping impacts of identities that complement gender at multiple levels in the context of the oppressive, interconnected power structures of occupation and patriarchy. Our findings explain how the impact of institutional oppressors, through structural and normative discrimination, may cause some Palestinian women entrepreneurs to internalize and accept injustice while others tap into available resources to engage in epistemic resistance.

Link: Google Scholar

Background and Context

Study Focus

This study examines how Palestinian women entrepreneurs who are internally displaced persons (IDPs) navigate business challenges under both occupation and patriarchy.

Theoretical Approach

The research applies theories of epistemic injustice (discrimination against non-dominant groups) and intersectionality to understand overlapping identity-based barriers.

Methodology

Researchers conducted in-depth interviews with 40 internally displaced Palestinian women entrepreneurs, analyzing their experiences through a reflexive, qualitative approach.

Dual Oppressions Constraining Palestinian Women Entrepreneurs

Occupation • Mobility Restrictions • Border Control on Imports Patriarchy • Discriminatory Gender Norms • Gender Stereotyping Palestinian Woman Entrepreneur Navigating Dual Oppressions
  • Palestinian women entrepreneurs face systematic barriers from both occupation and patriarchy simultaneously.
  • Occupation creates mobility restrictions and border control issues that directly impact business operations.
  • Patriarchal structures enforce discriminatory gender norms and perpetuate harmful stereotyping against women entrepreneurs.

The Cyclical Bind of Epistemic Injustice Trapping Women Entrepreneurs

Hermeneutic Injustice Cannot recognize injustice Testimonial Injustice Not believed when reporting "This is normal" "You're overreacting"
  • Hermeneutic injustice prevents women from recognizing discrimination, while testimonial injustice dismisses their accounts.
  • Women entrepreneurs face gaslighting when reporting injustice, leading to self-doubt and internalization.
  • This cyclical bind reinforces oppression, making it extremely difficult to challenge existing power structures.

Intersecting Identities Creating Unique Challenges for Palestinian Women Entrepreneurs

Woman Palestinian IDP Status Intersecting Challenges Compounded Barriers to Success More than the sum of individual challenges
  • The overlap of gender, Palestinian identity, and IDP status creates unique challenges.
  • These intersecting identities amplify discrimination beyond what each identity would face individually.
  • Institutional injustices from occupation and patriarchy interact to create multifaceted barriers to success.

Divisive Manifestations Creating Internal Barriers Within Palestinian Communities

IDP Camp Stigma "Ibn-el-Mukhayyam" Old Boys' Club Male-dominated networks Women Upholding Patriarchy Enforcing traditional roles Queen Bee Syndrome Women hindering other women
  • IDP camp stigma ("Ibn-el-Mukhayyam") devalues businesses and products from displaced women entrepreneurs.
  • "Old boys' club" networks exclude women from crucial business opportunities and resources.
  • Some women enforce patriarchal norms by discouraging entrepreneurial ambitions in other women.
  • "Queen Bee Syndrome" describes women in power who hinder rather than support other women.

Strategies of Epistemic Resistance Against Systematic Oppression

Palestinian Woman Social Media Masking Identity Markers Sisterhood Networks Supporting Each Other IDP Solidarity Community Support "Samidoun" From Despair to Steadfastness
  • Social media provides a space to mask disadvantageous identities and focus on business offerings.
  • Supportive "sisterhood" networks of women entrepreneurs create crucial social and business capital.
  • IDP solidarity fosters community support that enables entrepreneurial survival and growth despite adversity.
  • These strategies transform women from feeling despair ("Ya'sana") to demonstrating steadfastness ("Samidoun").

Contribution and Implications

  • The study shows how occupation and patriarchy create interconnected systems of injustice affecting women entrepreneurs.
  • Awareness of epistemic injustice can help institutions develop more inclusive entrepreneurial support systems.
  • Social media and women's networks provide crucial pathways for resistance against systematic oppression.
  • Policy should address both external barriers and internal community divisions faced by women entrepreneurs.
  • Highlighting epistemic resistance strategies can help other marginalized entrepreneurs navigate similar challenging contexts.

Data Sources

  • All visualizations are based on qualitative findings from in-depth interviews with 40 Palestinian women entrepreneurs.
  • Visualization 1 illustrates the dual oppressions identified in the article's findings about manifestations of epistemic injustice.
  • Visualization 2 represents the hermeneutic-testimonial injustice bind concept developed through analysis of participant narratives.
  • Visualization 3 is based on the article's intersectionality analysis of multiple identity-based challenges.
  • Visualization 4 depicts divisive manifestations identified in the article's thematic analysis of interview data.
  • Visualization 5 reflects the epistemic resistance strategies described in participants' accounts of coping and resilience.