'Men Don't Cry': Exploring Masculinity and Wellbeing among Ethnic Minority Male Entrepreneurs in the UK

Abstract

This study explores the intersection of masculinity and wellbeing among male ethnic minority entrepreneurs in the UK. Existing research has focused on how women negotiate and perform gender in entrepreneurship, with growing interest in entrepreneurial masculinity. Entrepreneurial men who struggle to resist culturally defined and dominant forms of masculinity may suffer from psychological, behavioural, and emotional effects. Traditional masculine ideologies have been associated with heightened levels of aggression, suppressed emotions, depression, anxiety, and domestic violence. The pressure of conforming to the ideals of hegemonic masculinity may contribute to suicidal behaviour, especially among intersectional men such as ethnic minority men. This longitudinal qualitative study investigates how the construction of entrepreneurial masculinity impacts the wellbeing of South Asian male entrepreneurs in the UK from 2020 to 2024, drawing upon masculinity theory. The findings suggest that the pressure to conform to masculine ideals while navigating the challenges and constraints of entrepreneurship can lead to increased stress and compromised wellbeing. Ethnic minority men may experience a micro-level of hegemonic masculinity in their homes and communities while facing entrepreneurial exclusion and disadvantages due to their identities in the wider society. This study contributes to the growing interest in wellbeing in entrepreneurship and highlights the need for further research on the impact of entrepreneurship on the mental health and wellbeing of ethnic minority men.