Login (DCU Staff Only)
Login (DCU Staff Only)

DORAS | DCU Research Repository

Explore open access research and scholarly works from DCU

Advanced Search

Beyond bars: the confining nature of hegemonic masculinity in venture accelerators

Schoonmaker, Mary G., MacNeil, HeatherJean and McAdam, Maura orcid logoORCID: 0000-0003-2203-5485 (2025) Beyond bars: the confining nature of hegemonic masculinity in venture accelerators. International Journal of Gender and Entrepreneurship, 17 (3-4). pp. 375-393. ISSN 1756-6274

Abstract
Purpose This paper investigates the intersectionality of entrepreneurial masculinity within the context of venture accelerators. As such, it aims to shed light on how intersecting factors influence the construction and expression of masculinity among male entrepreneurs in venture accelerators. Design/methodology/approach This research is based on an in-depth analysis of four distinct accelerator cohort groups, employing a semi-structured interview approach. Interviewees were conducted with four accelerator managers and 52 male accelerator participants across four distinct accelerator cohort groups. Such a methodological choice is deemed instrumental in unravelling the nuanced dynamics within accelerator environments and their implications on hegemonic masculinity. Findings This study elucidates the nuanced ways in which men navigate the venture accelerator landscape. The findings revealed that the accelerator environment facilitated the reinforcement of traditional masculine behaviours. Whilst diversity was ostensibly valued, its acceptance decreased if it posed a challenge to male dominance or stereotypical masculine traits. Indeed, there was marginalisation of nontraditional expressions of masculinity, leading to a sense of “othering”. Originality/value By integrating intersectionality theory into the examination of masculine dynamics within venture accelerator contexts, this study expands current understanding of venture accelerator environments and their effects on both traditional and nontraditional forms of hegemonic masculinity. In particular, we highlight the impact of non-intersectional institutional norms on male entrepreneurs who deviate from traditional stereotypes. As such, we advance the understanding of venture accelerators by examining how they perpetuate and reinforce traditional masculine norms, even in environments that strive for diversity.
Metadata
Item Type:Article (Published)
Refereed:Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords:Masculinity, Intersectionality, Venture accelerators, Entrepreneurship
Subjects:Business > Employee motivation
Social Sciences > Gender
DCU Faculties and Centres:DCU Faculties and Schools > DCU Business School
Publisher:Emerald Publishing
Official URL:https://www.emerald.com/ijge/article-abstract/17/3...
Copyright Information:Authors
ID Code:32736
Deposited On:03 Jun 2026 11:57 by Tam Nguyen . Last Modified 03 Jun 2026 11:57
Documents

Full text available as:

[thumbnail of Schoonmaker et al., 2025.pdf]
Preview
PDF - Requires a PDF viewer such as GSview, Xpdf or Adobe Acrobat Reader
Creative Commons: Attribution 4.0
629kB
Metrics

Altmetric Badge

Dimensions Badge

Downloads

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year

Archive Staff Only: edit this record