Immigrant entrepreneurship in Canada: sites for cultural preservation, inclusion, and community development. Issue 1 (2nd January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Golob, Matias I.; Giles, Audrey R.
• Is Part Of: Journal of multicultural discourses. Volume 12:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 27
• Page End: 41
• Publication Date: 2017-01-02
• Subjects: Immigrant entrepreneurship -- Foucault -- immigrant minorities -- civic engagement; Multiculturalism -- Periodicals; Discourse analysis -- Periodicals; Multiculturalism -- Philosophy -- Periodicals; 305.8005
• DOI: 10.1080/17447143.2016.1260135
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1744-7143

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In this paper we investigate the social dimensions of immigrant entrepreneurship within the context of normative discourses produced by Canada's official Multiculturalism Platform. Using the extended case method approach, we explored how 12 ethno-cultural minorities in the Windsor-Essex region of southwestern Ontario mobilized business activities to produce valuable interactions with local, national, and international networks that expanded their possibilities for recognition and equal rights in the social, cultural, and political spheres of Canadian society. Informed by the theoretical work of Michael Foucault, through our data analysis we identified the central significance of business formation as sites and mediums for cultural preservation, inclusion, and community development. These findings inform our discussion of the potential and limitations of entrepreneurship for ethno-cultural minorities' civic engagement in Canadian society.