This research aims to examine the entrepreneurial aspirations of Roma students, a group that has long been disadvantaged or underrepresented in entrepreneurship studies. Grounded in the theory of planned behaviour, this study places intention formation within a mixed-embeddedness framework that acknowledges that entrepreneurial intentions are influenced by socio-spatial marginalisation as well as place-based opportunity configurations. It examines how motivation to study, exposure to entrepreneurship education, entrepreneurial opportunities and family support moderate the relationship between entrepreneurial intention and these variables.
A quantitative approach was adopted, and a self-administered questionnaire was administered to Roma higher education students. Data were analysed using a two-phase covariance-based structural equation modelling procedure. Firstly, confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to assess the reliability and validity of the measurement model. Secondly, covariance-based structural equation modelling in AMOS was used to test the hypothesised relationships between constructs.
Entrepreneurship education and perceived entrepreneurial opportunity positively and significantly affect entrepreneurial intention, whereas motivation to study is negatively associated with it. Family support is not a strong moderator. These findings indicate that standard intention predictors do not function in a homogeneous way to support the possibility of structural exclusion, and that educational motivation may be more strategically directed towards moving people towards obtaining qualifications rather than towards becoming entrepreneurs.
This study addresses a gap in the literature by examining the entrepreneurial aspirations of Roma through an analysis of social vulnerability. These observations will serve as guidelines for designing inclusive and culturally sensitive educational programmes and societal policies. Using Roma youth’s entrepreneurial potential, this study contributes to the objectives of combating social exclusion and promoting both active citizenship and economic empowerment.
