BEING YOUR OWN BOSS - ETHNIC-MINORITY ENTREPRENEURS IN COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE

Exploring the notion that business activities are embedded in social r elations this small scale study of 10 ethnic minority businesses in Ly on, France matched with 10 minority businesses in Birmingham, UK quest ions the degree of 'choice' or 'preference' being exercised by these e ntrepreneurs in their dealings with family and co-ethnics. Using quali tative methods the study concludes that many of these choices are shap ed by a hostile environment which operates in very similar ways in the two countries despite very different political cultures.