Chapter 10: Women Entrepreneurship Context in Latin America: An Exploratory Study in Chile

There is no doubt that the progress made by women in entrepreneurship activities around the world represent an interesting factor to be taken into consideration when studying economic development and social progress (Minniti, Arenius, & Langowitz, 2005; Minniti, Allen, & Langowitz, 2006). At present, women represent more than one third of all people involved in entrepreneurship activities around the world. This phenomenon is not absent in Latin America where women have access to more important jobs through the generation of new companies. However, when the indicators of emerging countries are compared, and in this case the South American ones with a more advanced economy, it can be seen that women tend to get less involved in entrepreneurship activities. The gender gap in the labor field widens; this is one of the most important demographic phenomenon of the second half of the 20th century. This coincides with what was written by Heller (2004, p. 26): “[When management is studied]… one of the basic principles pointed out is that ‘the functions are neutral’ when referring to management. This means that there is no indication in any administrative procedure manual that the functions of planning, management, control and supervision must be wielded by men.” However, daily practice shows that only a few women are doing so; these administrative functions are generally and traditionally done by men.