Qualitative Exploring Womens Experiences through Establishing Small Family Businesses: (Case study: Isfahn city)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Isfahan, Isfahan

2 Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.

10.22059/jed.2026.403062.654587

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to explore the women experiences through establishing small family businesses. Despite the increasing emphasis on family businesses and their global expansion—and even the growing body of Iranian research on various aspects of such enterprises— few studies have examined the role of women, their motivations for entering this business type, the associated challenges and opportunities, and its broader implications for women. This study seeks to address this research gap.

Method: Employing a qualitative research design, this study utilised thematic analysis as its primary methodological approach. The research was conducted in Isfahan, focusing on small local family businesses. Due to the lack of comprehensive statistics regarding their number, quality, and geographical distribution, purposive and snowball sampling techniques were employed to identify participants. This was facilitated through direct engagement in ets selling home-based business products in Isfahan. The study participants comprised 40 women operating in three distinct sectors: food, clothing, and handicrafts. These women held primary responsibility for their businesses and conducted their economic activities alongside at least one family member, relative, or non-relative, either within or outside the home. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, conducted in person or via telephone, and analysed using Braun and Clarke's (2006) six-step thematic analysis framework with the assistance of MaxQDA software. Standard validation techniques were applied to ensure the reliability of the findings. Furthermore, all phases of data collection and analysis adhered strictly to ethical considerations and the protection of participants' rights.

Results: The results indicated that starting a family business stemmed from a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic motivations. The most significant intrinsic motivations for women were personal interest and enthusiasm, as well as educational and family background. The primary extrinsic motivations included the need for financial survival, profit-making through identified opportunities, and the flexibility offered by this business model. The findings further revealed that women's entry into the economic arena through small family businesses presents a dual-faced reality; while it provides advantages and opportunities, it also introduces significant challenges. Nevertheless, most participants believed that engaging in small family businesses enhanced their sense of empowerment and improved their quality of life across economic, social, and psychological dimensions.

Conclusion: Based on the study's findings, it can be concluded that the initiation of small family businesses by women is a dynamic and multifaceted phenomenon driven by a blend of intrinsic and extrinsic motivations. Although this entrepreneurial path entails specific challenges, the support network provided by the family and the inherent flexibility of the business model create a platform where its empowering outcomes ultimately outweigh the difficulties. These outcomes position women as active and effective participants in both family and community economies.These outcomes position women as active and effective participants in both family and community economies.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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