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Enterprise and Inequality: A Study of Avon in South Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Linda Scott
  • Catherine Dolan
  • Mary Johnstone–Louis
  • Kimberly Sugden
  • Maryalice Wu

Abstract

Avon's apparent success in using entrepreneurship to help women escape poverty, as well as its staying power in circumstances where similar efforts have failed, has captured the attention of the international development community. This study, the first independent empirical investigation, reports that in South Africa, Avon helps some impoverished women earn a better income and inspires empowerment among them. The authors introduce a new theory, pragmatist feminism, to integrate past work on women's entrepreneurship and argue that feminist scholars should reexamine the histories of the market democracies for replicable innovations that may have empowered women.

Suggested Citation

  • Linda Scott & Catherine Dolan & Mary Johnstone–Louis & Kimberly Sugden & Maryalice Wu, 2012. "Enterprise and Inequality: A Study of Avon in South Africa," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 36(3), pages 543-568, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:entthe:v:36:y:2012:i:3:p:543-568
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-6520.2012.00507.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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