Exploring the notion that business activities are embedded in social relations this small scale study of 10 ethnic minority businesses in Lyon, France matched with 10 minority businesses in Birmingham, UK questions the degree of `choice' or `preference' being exercised by these entrepreneurs in their dealings with family and co-ethnics. Using qualitative methods the study concludes that many of these choices are shaped by a hostile environment which operates in very similar ways in the two countries despite very different political cultures.
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