Impact of Agents of Socialization and Ascribed Status on the Entrepreneurial Intention of Female in the Context of Pakistan

Abstract

The concept of female entrepreneurship is not new even in Pakistan and accepted as an important instrument for achieving sustainable economic growth. While entrepreneurial intention of females in Pakistan is low due to low self-confidence and stereotyped images which is conferred by traditional culture and society. The main objective of this study was to investigate the impact of agents of socialization and ascribed status on the entrepreneurial intention of female in the context of Pakistan. For this purpose, relevant data was collected from 100femalerespondents belonging to three social classes with different demographic characteristics. To test the model, regression analysis was carried out with the help of SPSS which found that there is strong and negative relationship between agents of socialization and entrepreneurial intention of female. It is also found that ascribed status have also strong and negative relationship with entrepreneurial intention of female. However, ascribed status acts as an influencer which extra perform their negative role to change the direction of female intention toward entrepreneurship as compared with agents of socialization. Final conclusion of this study is that agents of socialization and ascribed status have strong and negative influence on the entrepreneurial intention of females in Pakistan. However, family background has significant aspect which holds and controls the influences of various socializers on the entrepreneurial intention of female. Therefore, agents of socialization act differently in different social classes. Outcomes of this study will be beneficial for regulatory bodies and policy makers to implement good and flexible policies which encourage and upturn the entrepreneurial intention in females enabling them to contribute their expected role in Pakistan