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This book critically interrogates the role of religious faith in the experiences and practices of migrant entrepreneurs against the backdrop of neoliberal Britain. Focussing on Pentecostalism, a popular Christian denomination amongst migrant groups in the UK, the authors draw on primary qualitative data to examine the ways in which Pentecostal beliefs and values influence the aspirations and practices of migrant entrepreneurs. The book also explores the role of Pentecostal churches in supporting entrepreneurial activities among migrant communities, arguing that these institutions simultaneously comply and contest the formation of neoliberal subjectivities: providing cultural legitimacy to the entrepreneurial subject, whilst also contesting the community erosion of neoliberalism, (particularly in an austerity context) and fostering a strong a sense of belonging among congregants. The book offers an interdisciplinary perspective spanning sociology, geography and entrepreneurship studies to explain how values and faith networks shape everyday life, work and entrepreneurial practices.
List of contents
1. Introduction.- 2. 'Lived' religion, migration and the workplace.- 3. Conceptualising religion in the drivers and outcomes of (migrant) entrepreneurship.- 4. Chapter 4. Pentecostalism, migration and religion: setting the context.- Chapter 5. Values and faith as drivers of entrepreneurship: the voices of entrepreneurs.- 6. Becoming an entrepreneur in the congregation: the role of religious organizations in supporting migrants.- 7. Conclusion.
About the author
María Villares-Varela is Associate Professor in Sociology at the University of Southampton, UK.
Olivia Sheringham is Lecturer in Social and Cultural Geography at Birkbeck, University of London, UK.
