Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling: Case Studies of Women's Strategies in Overcoming Barriers to Entrepreneurship

This thesis investigates the phenomenon of the glass ceiling in entrepreneurship by women through comparative cases of Ruth Handler and Coco Chanel drawing on Goodrick's comparative case study analysis method (2014). Through their experiences as entrepreneurs, research investigates their entrepreneurship approaches, challenges, and ethical controversies that these entrepreneurs faced while working in male-dominated markets. Research has a historical approach to entrepreneurship in that it investigates how Handler and Chanel exercised their agency, resisted societal prescriptions, and redefined industry norms. Using biographical and biographic materials in the shape of archives such as Handler's personal collection at the Schlesinger Library and secondary materials on Chanel, theoretical lenses such as Social Role Theory and Feminist Theory offer context to gendered challenges in entrepreneurship while comparative case analysis is the preeminent analytical technique in research. Paper findings identify how agency interplays at the level of individuals with structural restraints to demonstrate how these entrepreneurs employed networks of people in their work and in their lives, how these entrepreneurs managed to fit in with shifting societal circumstances, and how these entrepreneurs managed to work within their own eras' limitations. In doing so, this research sheds light on the ethical dilemmas and morally ambiguous strategies that are often overlooked in existing discourse. By exploring lesser-discussed aspects of Chanel’s and Handler’s journeys—such as controversial alliances, financial maneuvers, and reliance on male-dominated networks—the thesis highlights the complex decisions these women faced in breaking the glass ceiling on their own terms. It underscores how systemic inequities frequently necessitate morally complex decisions, challenging conventional narratives that frame entrepreneurship solely as an empowering and virtuous endeavor. The research integrates key theoretical frameworks, including "Entrepreneurship as Emancipation" and intersectionality, to explore the interplay between gender, societal norms, and entrepreneurial agency. It critiques traditional male-dominated narratives that marginalize women’s contributions and highlights the necessity of structural reforms and inclusive policies to dismantle the barriers of the glass ceiling. By combining historical analysis with contemporary insights, this thesis aims to provide a nuanced understanding of women’s entrepreneurship as both a vehicle for personal empowerment and a catalyst for societal change. The findings underscore the importance of intersectional approaches and systemic reforms to foster an equitable entrepreneurial landscape.