Cultures in Motion

In this conclusion of our series "Cultures in Motion," we delve deeply into the dynamic interplay between cultural capital and entrepreneurship, echoing perspectives explored in previous articles and integrating findings from recent research.

We have seen how, in line with Bates and Robb's (2014) observations on ethnic entrepreneurship, immigrants bring with them a rich cultural heritage that can be a valuable asset in the Canadian entrepreneurial landscape. This idea is echoed in the study by Robertson and Grant (2016), which shows that the business decisions of immigrant entrepreneurs in Canada are influenced by psychosocial factors such as social capital, cultural identity, and perceptions of discrimination.

The resilience and ingenuity of Haitian "Madan Sara," discussed in article 2, illustrate the ability to transform challenges into opportunities. This transformation resonates with Portes and Zhou's (1992) findings on the role of social capital in minority entrepreneurship. Additionally, the stories of Sophia and Carlos, mentioned in article 1, demonstrate how innovation is often rooted in tradition, a notion also highlighted by Woodwark, Wood, and Schnarr (2021) in their study on female founders of technology companies in Canada and the use of gender networks for their success.

The article by Covell, Neiterman, and Bourgeault (2015) reinforces this idea by showing the importance of economic and cultural capital for the professional integration of internationally educated nurses in Canada, thus illustrating how cultural capital facilitates adaptation and success in a new environment.

The synergy between technology and tradition, mentioned in article 1, parallels Wong and Dennie's (2021) observations on the impact of ice hockey on the identity and belonging of immigrants and racial minorities in Canada. This study demonstrates how cultural activities like hockey can strengthen the sense of national belonging and identity among immigrants and racial minorities, using the sport as a multicultural common space.

In conclusion, this series "Cultures in Motion" underscores the critical importance of recognizing and valuing cultural and identity capital in Canadian entrepreneurship. Whether through stories of immigrants, the resilience of minority communities, or the integration of traditions into modern businesses, we see how cultural diversity enriches the entrepreneurial landscape. These lessons are essential for any society seeking to cultivate a rich and varied economic and social landscape.

Références :

• Robertson, D. W., & Grant, P. (2016). "Immigrant entrepreneurship from a social psychological perspective". Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 46(7), 410-422. DOI: 10.1111/JASP.12369.

• Woodwark, M., Wood, A., & Schnarr, K. (2021). "Standing on the shoulders of giantesses: how women technology founders use single and mixed gender networks for success and change". International Journal of Gender and Entrepreneurship, 13(3), 205-223. DOI: 10.1108/ijge-10-2020-0159.

• Covell, C., Neiterman, E., & Bourgeault, I. (2015). "Forms of Capital as Facilitators of Internationally Educated Nurses’ Integration into the Registered Nursing Workforce in Canada". DOI: 10.7939/R3K35MR87.

• Wong, L. L., & Dennie, M. (2021). "‘I feel more Canadian with hockey.’ Identity and Belonging via Ice Hockey in a Diverse Canada". Canadian Ethnic Studies, 53(3), 75-94. DOI: 10.1353/ces.2021.0025.