Entrepreneurship Education for Women: A Research Review and Agenda.

Although the importance of entrepreneurship to the American economy has been documented, a review of research reveals that knowledge about entrepreneurship education is sparse and that research on entrepreneurship education for women is almost nonexistent. A summary of this research indicates that sex stereotyping in schools inhibits women from acquiring the insights, motivation, and skills to become entrepreneurs and that entrepreneurship education for elementary and secondary school students tends to be extremely limited in quantity and deficient in quality. Also, although research does not distinguish between entrepreneurs and small business managers, data indicate that psychological characteristics which separate entrepreneurs from others seem to be determined outside the educational structure, with family influence being the most dominant. Further, considering the important role of mentors, exposure of women to female entrepreneurs is important in encouraging women-owned businesses. Based on the findings and national reports, an agenda for entrepreneurship education for women should include research to determine needs of women business owners, an evaluation of current educational programs, development of educational materials at the elementary school level, continued enforcement of legislation and programs to reduce sex bias and stereotyping in the schools, and development of materials which accurately portray the role of women business owners. (KC)