Thirteenth International Conference on Food Studies

Abstract

Much of the literature on immigrant entrepreneurs focuses on entrepreneurial behaviors and outcomes. However, less is known about their attitudes and perceptions. This study examines the simultaneous expressions of an individualistic and meritocratic ethos coupled with an understanding of structural inequality and a call for greater governmental support found among immigrant entrepreneurs in the Washington State agriculture industry. The research is based on 46 interviews with immigrant entrepreneurs. We encountered contradictory findings with respondents demonstrating a strong adherence to American Dream ideology alongside an understanding of structural barriers to their entrepreneurial endeavors. We use intersectional theory and the concept of legal political embeddedness to argue that occupational status positions Hispanic entrepreneurs in relation to state regulatory regimes, which provides the structural conditioning for the emergence of a particular set of attitudes. This explains the contradictory attitudes among immigrant entrepreneurs and their simultaneous commonalities and differences with other entrepreneurs.