The impact of masculinities on university students’ intentions to engage in commercial and social entrepreneurship

Purpose The objective of this paper is to examine whether there are differences between male and female students, as well as the relationship of job attributes that have commonly been associated with masculinity and commercial and social entrepreneurial intention. Design/methodology/approach Survey data from a representative sample of students enrolled in public and private universities in the Community of Madrid (Spain) are used. The methodology is based on the estimation of a probit model to evaluate the influence of gender and job-related factors linked to male or female aspects on the intention to develop commercial and social entrepreneurship (SE) projects. Findings Results show superior commercial entrepreneurship (CE) on the behalf of men and a greater linkage with masculinity characteristics. Likewise, we found a greater propensity for SE intention on behalf of women, but this intention is not significantly linked to masculine job attributes, consequently masculinity is not an obstacle to engage in social projects. Originality/value The findings empirically demonstrate differences in commercial and SE intention regarding masculinity, considering male sex and job attributes believed as masculine.