Gender equality in education: an analysis of entrepreneurial behavior in technological colleges in a developing country

Abstract

The article analysed the differences in the influence of entrepreneurial characteristics on entrepreneurial intention according to gender in technological higher education education in a developing country. The methodology used was quantitative, with multivariate data analysis through structural equation modelling. The sample consisted of 604 students of technological higher education from the São Paulo State Technological Colleges. The results proved that the female gender had a more intense influence on self-efficacy and persistence influence on entrepreneurial intention. The male gender had a more significant influence on the relationship between sociability and entrepreneurial intention. For technological higher education institutions to implement an effective entrepreneurial education, it is fundamental to encourage entrepreneurial characteristics differently between genders. Developing and fostering entrepreneurship among women in higher technological education requires a deeper understanding of the female entrepreneurial profile.