A Bourdieuan Analysis of Qualitative Authorship in Entrepreneurship Scholarship

Abstract

Empirically, this study builds on responses from leading qualitative entrepreneurship scholars. We carry out a ourdieuan analysis of the field of entrepreneurship scholarship—particularly heterodox qualitative writing—and the way that scholars learn to play this game (habitus). It discusses unchallenged assumptions (doxa), commitment to shared stakes (illusio), the practice to achieve these stakes (practice), and the struggle for glories and riches (capital). By deploying ourdieu's frame, we have been able to expose key processes, structures, and relationships within qualitative entrepreneurship authorship. These offer four types of practical outcomes: guidance for good practice; insights into emotional aspects of authorship; warnings of potentially dysfunctional practices; and a celebration of our successes.

Notes

5. In terms of recognizing our own doxa, we—the four authors—wonder if we may be in danger of perpetuating this heroic cycle by using Bourdieu's framework allied to a narrative turn in eulogizing qualitative scholarship as a quest.

6. Patel and Conklin, in particular, have a very clear exposition of Bourdieu's theory of practice, complete with glossary and illustrations (2009, p. 1049).

7. Small Business Economics, an obvious omission from this list of leading entrepreneurship journals, was excluded given the desire to represent both U.S. and European journals, as well as the journal's more specialist nature.

8. More practical analysis of the entrepreneurial authorship process has been carried out in other work emanating from this study (Smith et al., 2013), which sets out findings relating to the antecedents, process, and consequences of qualitative authorship in entrepreneurship. Staying open, engaging in multiple iterations, embracing disorder, grounding oneself and one's research in the narrative, and maintaining absolute integrity emerged as the key practical implications of the study.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sarah Drakopoulou‐dodd

Sarah Drakopoulou‐Dodd is professor of entrepreneurship at The Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship, University of Strathclyde.

Seonaidh Mcdonald

Seonaidh McDonald is professor in the Institute for Management, Governance and Society at The Robert Gordon University.

Gerard Mcelwee

Gerard McElwee is professor of entrepreneurship at Sheffield Business School, Sheffield Hallam University.

Robert Smith

Robert Smith is reader in entrepreneurship at Aberdeen Business School, The Robert Gordon University.