Race, Gender and Entrepreneurship : The Perception of Self within the Social Construct of the 21st Century Afropolitan Identity

Abstract: This study explores the role identity plays in entrepreneurial opportunity identification as well as entrepreneurial engagements. At the core of the research problematization stands the very definition of national, ethnic, personal and constructed identities as perceived by the actors themselves versus others. Using a phenomenological approach, the extent to which upbringing, personal experiences and social environments shaped Afropolitan actors’ perceptions of self and their attitudes were carefully analysed. The results showed that beyond cultural identity and group belonging, entrepreneurial engagements and decisions were first and foremost built upon self-identity born out of lived experiences (crucibles). The uncovering of layers of consciousness, as well as reflections by the writer, and intersections add important elements of uniqueness to this paper.