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Narrating the decline of subsistence entrepreneurship in a Scottish fishing community: 1934-2004.

Smith, Robert

Authors

Robert Smith



Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this research paper is to explore the decline of subsistence entrepreneurship in a 'Scottish Fishing Community', namely the village of Gourdon in Kincardineshire, Scotland over a 60-year period. Design/methodology/approach - Presents the material in a historical perspective, as remembered by two persons who lived through the experience. Using two ethnographic accounts the paper reconstructs a vivid picture of a thriving form of subsistence type entrepreneurship, in a bygone era, when enterprise was more closely bonded to community activities, the work ethic and pride. Findings - This paper narrates a dramatic story relating to the economic decline visited upon a living community by the forces of market change affecting multiple income streams. In this tale, there are no heroes or villains, as is normal in narrative accounts, merely victims of changing circumstances and changing patterns of social action. Research limitations/implications - The results of this research paper have obvious limitations, because of the methodology employed, and because of the limited number of respondents interviewed. However, socio-historical studies such as this have their place in developing an understanding of entrepreneurship as enacted in individual communities. Originality/value - This paper tackles an under-researched area of rural entrepreneurship using narrative methods which bring the subject to life.

Citation

SMITH, R. 2006. Narrating the decline of subsistence entrepreneurship in a Scottish fishing community: 1934-2004. International journal of entrepreneurial behavior and research [online], 12(1), pages 40-62. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1108/13552550610644472

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jan 1, 2006
Online Publication Date Jan 1, 2006
Publication Date Feb 28, 2006
Deposit Date Jun 23, 2009
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior and Research
Print ISSN 1355-2554
Publisher Emerald
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 12
Issue 1
Pages 40-62
DOI https://doi.org/10.1108/13552550610644472
Keywords Agricultural and fishing industries; Entrepreneurship; History; Rural areas; Scotland; Work ethic
Public URL http://hdl.handle.net/10059/369

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