Is “mixed embeddedness” enough to explain immigrant entrepreneurship? This article critically examines the mixed embeddedness hypothesis, proposed as a way to understand immigrant business ventures. While acknowledging its improvements over previous models, this research argues that the hypothesis falls short in explaining the inter-ethnic variation in entrepreneurial concentration among immigrant groups across the world. The analysis focuses on a specific host setting, spanning multiple economic periods and including diverse genders and generations. It points out that the model's lack of historical perspective and its concentration on the lower end of the market as reasons for its limited explanatory power. The research challenges the model’s ability to account for historical context and diverse market segments. By incorporating the agency of individuals into the explanatory process, this article advances the study of immigrant enterprise. It emphasizes the importance of considering the individual choices and strategies of immigrants to understand the complexities of entrepreneurial success. It urges further research into the factors driving entrepreneurial success among different immigrant communities.
Published in the International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, this article directly addresses the journal's core focus on understanding entrepreneurial dynamics, particularly among immigrant populations. By critiquing and refining existing theories, the paper contributes to a deeper understanding of the factors influencing entrepreneurial success within a global context.