Dr Claire Street

My academic interests lie in entrepreneurship. I draw from anthropology, entrepreneurship theory and studies of women in poverty and socioeconomic marginality. My research is underpinned by Feminist Poststructuralism and is geared towards transformative social change. My research examines the gendered nature of entrepreneurial discourse and practice, with particular focus on women who are often overlooked in entrepreneurial contexts. Using feminist poststructuralist approaches, I question mainstream entrepreneurship theories that tend to reinforce male-centred assumptions and overlook diverse entrepreneurial experiences. I study how gendered power relations influence who is recognised as an entrepreneur and how entrepreneurial identities are shaped by the intersection of gender, class, ethnicity and other social dimensions. My work challenges simplified representations of women entrepreneurs in academic research and policy documents, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of entrepreneurship as a gendered practice embedded in broader social contexts. Through this critical lens, I aim to expand our understanding of entrepreneurship to include alternative approaches that can lead to meaningful social change.

Academic & Examining Responsibilities:

As Senior Lecturer and Course Director for MBA International, I oversee the delivery of modules ranging from Global Economics and International Finance to Strategic Management and International Human Resource Management.

Current Teaching:

I teach on Innovation, Entrepreneurship and the International Perspective, Market Research, Research Methods, International Business Marketing and Communications, and serve as a business advisor for the Business Plan. I am module lead for Independent Study and also lead the Senior Leaders Apprenticeship module for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Additionally, I teach on the government funded Help to Grow scheme where I deliver modules on Strategy and Innovation and Implementing Growth Plans.

Dissertation Supervision:

I have supervised Masters students' dissertations, supporting their academic research and professional development.

Recognitions:

2021 | Most Outstanding Contribution to Student Experience (Christ Church Staff Recognition Awards)

2020 | Best Online Lecture (Golden Apple Award)

My research focuses on evaluative studies and impact assessment across public service organisations. I collaborate with colleagues on projects that aim to improve organisational effectiveness and promote positive social outcomes. Selected research includes:

Street, C. (2025) 'A Feminist Poststructural Discourse Analysis of Marginalised Women's Entrepreneurial Experiences', CCBS Partner Conference 2025- Contemporary Issues in Business, Tourism & Accounting Management.

Street, C. P., & Ng, P. Y. (2024). Nurturing entrepreneurs: Designing child-friendly workshops for refugee women. Refugee Entrepreneurship (pp. 269-286). Routledge.

Street C. (2024) Traversing entrepreneurship: Exploring the mindset of refugee women entrepreneurs.2024 Diana International Research Conference, June 2024.

Street, C. (2022) 'Refugee Entrepreneurship – Enterprise in a Hostile Environment', Workshop on Refugee Entrepreneurship, LEMEX – Lehrstuhl für Mittelstand, Existenzgründung und Entrepreneurship, University of Bremen, May 2022.

Street, C. (2021) 'Creating a Conceptual Framework for a study of Female Refugee Entrepreneurs from a Feminist Poststructural stance', CCBS Scholarship, Enterprise and Research Conference, Christ Church Business School, Canterbury Christ Church University, July 2021.

Street, C. (2019) 'Fostering Networks, Facilitating Enterprise – A mentor-led workshop with women refugee entrepreneurs', Refugee Entrepreneurship Workshop, Sten K. Johnson Centre for Entrepreneurship, School of Economics and Management, Lund University, May 2019.

Street, C. (2018) 'Refugee Entrepreneurship – Enterprise in a liminal space. Telling the stories of refugee entrepreneurs', Festival of Social Science 2018, Essex Business School, University of Essex, November 2018.