Muslim feminists and entrepreneurship at times and in contexts of crises

Abstract

This paper explores the coping strategies utilized by Muslim women entrepreneurs in the country-specific context of crises-laden Lebanon. In so doing, we capitalize on a qualitative interpretative methodology, drawing upon in-depth, semi-structured interviews. We present empirical evidence detailing how women entrepreneurs utilize Muslim feminism and various Islamic practices and values as means of coping with crises situations and contexts. We also provide insights into how the doing of gender unfolds as a coping strategy enabled by Muslim feminism in the advent of adversities. Hence, we underscore the importance of approaching religion as a social construct which is performed, as opposed to treating religion as something located outside the spheres of gender and economics.