Abstract

This research depicts the social networks that the Ethiopian and Eritrean communities use to establish and support ethnic and non-cultural businesses in Washington D.C. It also showcases the solidarity expressions that, behind-the-scenes, sustain and help strengthen these migrant-led businesses in the area. Furthermore, it describes the opportunity structure found in Washington D.C. that has allowed Ethiopians and Eritreans to open businesses and progress in neighborhoods such as Adams Morgan and U Street. The study uses ethnographic research comprised of participant observation and in-depth interviews to analyze 20 case studies of successful Ethiopian and Eritrean entrepreneurs in D.C. This paper describes the characteristics of an immigrant community that is underrepresented in the literature, especially regarding its entrepreneurship; it underscores the special role that family and kin play in supporting their entrepreneurship; and it makes visible the impact that Ethiopians and Eritreans have had in some areas of Washington D.C.

摘要

这项研究描绘了埃塞俄比亚和厄立特里亚社区用来在华盛顿特区建立和支持种族和非文化企业的社交网络。它还展示了团结的表达，这些表达在幕后维护和帮助加强了这些由移民主导的企业。该地区。此外，它还描述了在华盛顿特区发现的机会结构，该结构使埃塞俄比亚人和厄立特里亚人可以在亚当斯·摩根（Adams Morgan）和U街等社区内开展业务并取得进展。该研究使用人种学研究方法，包括参与者观察和深入访谈，以分析哥伦比亚特区成功的埃塞俄比亚和厄立特里亚企业家的20个案例研究。本文描述了文献中代表性不足的移民社区的特征，特别是在其企业家精神方面；它强调了家庭和亲戚在支持其企业家精神方面的特殊作用；这使埃塞俄比亚人和厄立特里亚人在华盛顿特区的某些地区所受到的影响可见一斑。