The presented master thesis is an exploratory study on the motivational factors of the Swedish Mumpreneurs to start a business. Providing a nuanced and detailed review of the evolution of the literature on female entrepreneurship, the phenomenon of ‘Mumpreneurship’ is being introduced as a new, internationally widespread concept. Following a close look at this particular contestable subject, the study shows how different internal and external factors can influence the motivation of the Swedish mothers with small children to enter self-employment. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the motivational factors of Swedish female entrepreneurs with children, so-called ‘Mumpreneurs’, to establish a business. Design/methodology/approach: A small sample of businesses with mothers as founders in the boundaries of Sweden were surveyed, with a prepared interview guide, focusing on the factors of motivation, marital status, children, family and challenges. Findings: The empirical findings of the study draw conclusions on the basis of 8 in-depth interviews conducted with Swedish Mumpreneurs. The findings of the exploratory research indicate that various internal and external factors motivate Swedish mothers with small children to replace previous employment with entrepreneurial activities. It can be argued from the results of the presented paper, that the need for independence and self-achievement, high levels of stress and lack of job opportunities, flexibility and happiness, are all instrumental in the investigation of the motivational factors. Research limitations/implications: The study has been conducted using a relatively small sample of women entrepreneurs with children in Sweden. Therefore, the findings are not representative and cannot be generalized for the whole population. The topic of interest would benefit if a research were conducted in a longer time span and replicate in range of different industries in order to further test the results.

This case study provides an analysis on how working women mothers in Brazil articulate themselves in a feminist network born on social media (Maternativa) to generate collective empowerment, raise awareness about oppression and mobilize around work rights. Using qualitative methods such as insider participant observation, interviews and content analysis, it investigates how participatory-related communicative practices and feminism interplay on digital and interpersonal environments fostering dialogue, conscientization and, potentially, a “political turn” in the collective’s agenda. Theoretical underpinnings include Manuel Castells’ network society, participatory communication and Paulo Freire’s theories on oppressed subjects, as well as insights from matricentric and black feminisms. The validity of (feminist) participatory practices for the strengthening of women mothers’ grass-roots movements and its potential applicability to mitigate the limitations of social media are some of the conclusions offered. Despite challenges typical of social movements and a significant “white woman bias”, participation has been able to produce an expanded awareness of the different systems of oppression. As a result, women’s discourse and engagement inside the network has become increasingly political and critical regarding structural power relations in the Brazilian society.