Microentrepreneur Identity in Appalachian Ohio: Enterprising Individuals with a Regional Flavor

<p>This study articulates the connections between material and symbolic conditions of work and identity construction through recognizing the effects of language, discursive practices of work, and societal discourses on microentrepreneurialism in SoutheasternAppalachian Ohio. Microentrepreneur identity is understood as a communicative construction drawing upon material, relational, and reflective dimensions in interaction over time. The situated discursive work practices of microentrepreneurialism in Southeastern Appalachian Ohio constructs the ontological conditions for a microentrepreneur identity in the region. This study views microentrepreneurialism as both a discourse and a practice that draws upon U.S. societal discourses and allows for participation in the socio-economic structure of U.S. society. The theoretical framework relies on an interpretive modernist conception of a moderate form of social constructionism informed by American pragmatism.</p><p>Using Southeastern Appalachian Ohio as the site of research, this study applies a grounded theory methodology in the analysis of textual data and participant interviews. Findings show that the construction of a microentrepreneur identity has a positive impacton the work lives of microentrepreneurs and the local economy. Using the three dimensions of identity, participants socially constructed a microentrepreneurial identity through identification with aspects of the material world in Southeastern Appalachian Ohio, through collaborative work practices in relationships with other microentrepreneurs, and by reflecting on one colonizing aspect of how to succeed as a microentrepreneur. Implications of this study are discussed, along with limitations and future directions for research.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Level thesis:degree_level

doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Communication Studies (Communication)

Grantor dc:publisher

Ohio University

Year dc:date

2013

Author dc:creator

• Morris, Jerimiah F.

Contributors dc:contributor

• McKerrow, Raymie

• Communication
• Entrepreneurship
• Identity
• Microentrepreneurism
• Appalachian Ohio
• Social Constructionism
• American Dream

Statement dc:rights

• unrestricted
• This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: all rights reserved. It may not be copied or redistributed beyond the terms of applicable copyright laws.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1356215074

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:etd.ohiolink.edu:ohiou1356215074