The role of parents’ education levels and occupations on their daughters’ entrepreneurial Intentions

Document Type

Article

Source of Publication

Journal of Education and Work

Publication Date

4-5-2026

Abstract

This study explores female entrepreneurship by examining how parental background influences entrepreneurial Intentions, given entrepreneurship’s growing significance in economic development. Using survey data from 282 female university students, it analyzes connections between parental education, occupations, and daughters’ entrepreneurial aspirations. Contrary to expectations, the findings did not reveal statistically significant links between parents’ education levels or occupational backgrounds and their daughters’ entrepreneurial Intentions. However, Subjective Norms and perceived institutional support from the university and country significantly influenced entrepreneurial Intentions. Conducted in the United Arab Emirates, where entrepreneurship is actively promoted, this research underscores the role of institutional support and societal norms over familial background. Practical implications recommend that educational institutions and policymakers create programmes involving parents to foster supportive home environments. Socially, understanding these familial dynamics can encourage broader empowerment of women as leaders and innovators, thus enhancing economic growth.

ISSN

1363-9080

Publisher

Informa UK Limited

Disciplines

Business | Education

Keywords

attitudes, Entrepreneurship intention, parents’ educations, self-efficacy

Scopus ID

105034942625

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

no

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