Intersectionality, Identity and Resilience Strategies of Women Entrepreneurs in the Digital Era
This research explores how intersectional identities shape entrepreneurial resilience strategies for women in the digital era. It examines the interplay of gender, ethnicity, and technology in constructing entrepreneurial identity, highlighting adaptive responses to digital transformation and socio-economic challenges.
Research Opportunities
Summary
Women entrepreneurship, accelerated by digital technology (Pergelova et al. 2019), has been argued to be necessitated by factors such as the opportunity to balance family and entrepreneurial activities effectively, desire for autonomy, as well as an avenue to deal with the glass ceiling within workplaces and personal life incidents like divorce (Vorley and Rodgers, 2014; Oladipo et al., 2023; Rodríguez-Modroño, 2021). Their contribution to economic development (Naguib, 2022) through reduction in social and economic inequalities in male-dominated contexts (Doubogan, 2020) by creating jobs (Rashid and Ratten, 2020), reduction in poverty and social vices within the society (Ogundana et al., 2023) have been well documented in the literature.
However, due to the intersectional identities of women entrepreneurs, they have been suggested to develop entrepreneurial resilience in response to unforeseen precariousness (Vershinina and Rodgers, 2023; Henry et al., 2024). This research seeks to explore how multiple intersecting social identities (such as gender, ethnicity, immigration status, and race) shape the construction and negotiation of women’s entrepreneurial identity in digital business environments. It further aims to identify the strategic and technological resilience strategies that women entrepreneurs deploy to navigate structural constraints while leveraging digital opportunities. Ergo, the study focuses on how women navigate identity negotiation and resilience in digitally mediated business environments, where technology adoption can both empower and marginalise (James et al., 2025).
Methodology
A qualitative design is appropriate for gaining an in-depth understanding of the lived experiences of women entrepreneurs in digital contexts. A social constructivist approach will guide the research, focusing on how entrepreneurial identities are constructed and negotiated. Data will be captured through semi-structured interviews and analysed thematically.
Student Specification
- Background in business, management or gender studies.
- Interest in digital transformation and inclusive entrepreneurship.
Supervisor
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Research Theme
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Entry requirements
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Normal entry requirements are a first or upper second class honours degree from a University of the United Kingdom, or from an overseas University, or degree equivalent qualification, subject to the approval of Robert Gordon University.
Applicants holding other qualifications shall be considered on their merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the proposed research programme.
Applicants will normally register for an MSc/PhD or MRes/PhD with transfer to PhD dependent on satisfactory progress. However, applicants who already possess a Master’s degree which includes a significant research component could be registered directly for a PhD, subject to a satisfactory research proposal, and clear evidence of research expertise.
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English Language
Any applicant whose first language or language of previous University-level instruction is not English must normally demonstrate competence in English. This should be a score of IELTS 6.5 with 6.5 in all elements, or an approved equivalent.
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Fees & Costs
For Academic Year 2025/2026
UK Students
- Full time - £5,006 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - £3,000 per academic year
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International Students
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- Part time MPhil/PhD - £10,690 per academic year
- Part time MRes/MSc by research - £10,690 per academic year
For Academic Year 2024/2025
UK/EU Students
- Full time - £4,786 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - £2,870 per academic year
- Part time MRes/MSc by research - £2,390 per academic year
International Students
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How to Apply
Applications
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Our Research degrees usually start in February and October each year. There are no formal deadlines for you to submit your application, though we recommend you submit it as early as possible in order to ensure we can help you join us at your preferred time.
Completed application forms should be accompanied by:
- Degree certificate
- Statement of purpose, detailing why you would like to study this degree in the UK, and why you have chosen RGU.
- A short research proposal, in the range of 1,500 - 3,000 words, containing a rationale and background, study aims and objectives, a literature review, proposed research methods and a full reference list.
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English Language Requirements
All applicants whose first language is not from a recognised English speaking country will be asked to provide evidence of their English language skills as part of their offer to study at RGU.
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