Crowdfunding, gender and the promise of financial democracy: a systematic review
International Journal of Gender and Entrepreneurship
ISSN: 1756-6266
Article publication date: 16 December 2021
Issue publication date: 4 May 2022
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to review the literature at the intersection of crowdfunding and gender, while examining the extent to which crowdfunding has enhanced female financial inclusion and participation.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic literature review was conducted across 47 studies from 2011 to April 2021.
Findings
Most studies suggest that the likelihood of success or failure of female-led campaigns depends on external factors associated with opportunities. The study points to a general trend where although female participation has not achieved its full potential, it is greater than in other channels, while enjoying higher chances of success for female fundraisers. The study highlights gaps in the literature and the associated opportunities for future research emerging from them.
Originality/value
This study is the first attempt to summarise and sensitise the literature on crowdfunding and gender. The study highlights the importance of analysing the impact of context on the conceptualisation of gender in alternative finance.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author would like to thank the anonymous reviewers for their constructive and helpful feedbacks. I also wish to thank the following professors for their valuable comments in developing this paper: Rotem Shneor, Sofia Johan and Ikenna Uzuegbunam. Final thanks go to Samuel Anokye Nyarko for his invaluable assistance and contributions.
Citation
Serwaah, P. (2022), "Crowdfunding, gender and the promise of financial democracy: a systematic review", International Journal of Gender and Entrepreneurship, Vol. 14 No. 2, pp. 263-283. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJGE-07-2021-0115
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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