Stepscentre_working_paper_62.pdf (1.03 MB)
Gender and the construction of identity within climate technology innovation in Kenya
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posted on 2023-06-08, 20:06 authored by Mipsie Mary Anne Marshall, Robert ByrneRobert Byrne, David OckwellDavid OckwellThis paper undertakes an analysis of the discursive construction of the entrepreneurial identity within media on climate technology(CT) innovation in Kenya. Using the STEPS pathways approach along side a post-structuralist feminist identity framework, it explores the way that the narrative of entrepreneur-led innovation may include or exclude the framings of particular actors. The paper draws on ideas of antagonism in identity construction, legitimacy, and access to resources, in order to identify those actors that may perceive themselves as, or be perceived as, more or less legitimate as CT entrepreneurs, thus being more or less likely to gain access to resources for CT innovation. Although the climate technology entrepreneur aligns in some ways with more normatively feminine notions of the caring social entrepreneur, overall the CT entrepreneur remains a masculine identity. Women are underrepresented in media portrayals of CT entrepreneurship.Further, portrayals of women CT entrepreneurs tend to question their legitimacy, depicting them as either requiring the support of men, or as taking up masculine characteristics in order to gain credibility. The paper demonstrates that this might translate into more favourable attitudes towards men CT entrepreneurs when seeking access to institutional support. It recommends further research into the capacity for CT entrepreneurship to effectively incorporate marginalised framings, and where entrepreneurship will fail to meet their needs, it calls for increased support for appropriate alternative processes of climate technology innovation.
Funding
STEPS; R7S5; ESRC-ECONOMIC & SOCIAL RESEARCH COUNCIL; RES 588 28 5001
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Publication status
- Published
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- Published version
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The STEPS CentrePages
36.0Place of publication
BrightonDepartment affiliated with
- SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit Publications
Institution
University of SussexFull text available
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2015-02-20First Open Access (FOA) Date
2016-03-22First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2016-03-22Usage metrics
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