Redefining Women's Entrepreneurship: A Conceptual Comparison with General Entrepreneurship

Abstract

This study compares the literature on women entrepreneurship and general entrepreneurship, examining the thematic and conceptual differences between the two fields. The analysis includes articles published in English up to 2025 in the Web of Science database. In the women entrepreneurship literature, a total of 5,058 articles and 8,983 keywords were identified, while in the general entrepreneurship literature, 24,038 articles and 31,385 keywords were analyzed. The findings indicate that the women entrepreneurship literature primarily focuses on themes such as gender, empowerment, social capital, and social entrepreneurship. In contrast, the general entrepreneurship literature encompasses broader themes, including innovation, entrepreneurship education, institutional structures, and economic growth. While concepts like empowerment, social entrepreneurship, and intersectionality are prominent in the women entrepreneurship literature, the general entrepreneurship literature emphasizes innovation, institutions, and entrepreneurial ecosystems. The findings of this study provide a crucial foundation for understanding the unique challenges and opportunities of women entrepreneurs while underscoring the need for a more inclusive perspective in general entrepreneurship literature. These differences highlight the importance of integrating the two fields for a more balanced and inclusive understanding of entrepreneurship. Future research is recommended to ensure greater representation of women entrepreneurship in the general entrepreneurship literature and to foster mutual enrichment between the two fields.