Challenges, ethnic networks, and the positive impact it has on the community

Zarate Cruz, Nancy Guadalup (2025) Challenges, ethnic networks, and the positive impact it has on the community. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

In the current era, globalization and migration have changed the economic and cultural landscapes of countries around the world, giving rise to new forms of immigrant entrepreneurship. The city of Dublin, Ireland, has experienced a significant increase in the number of immigrants, including the Mexican community. Despite the growing trend toward Mexican gastronomy and business, there is limited academic theory on this economic and social phenomenon. This research explores the phenomenon of Mexican migrant entrepreneurship in the restaurant and food business sector, analyzing their motivations, challenges, support networks, and community impact.

Based on qualitative and quantitative methods, this research used interviews and questionnaires with Mexican entrepreneurs in Dublin. The study is framed within the existing literature on immigrant entrepreneurship (Light & Dana, 2013; Portes & Manning, 2006; Zhou, 2004) and other authors, also incorporating critical perspectives that challenge traditional theories of ethnic entrepreneurship (Cooney & Godwin, 2021).

The findings reveal that Mexican entrepreneurial motivations go beyond economic necessity. Cultural identity, nostalgia for Mexican food, and an entrepreneurial spirit were the main motivators. Ethnic networks and transnational ties played a limited role in supporting these businesses. It was also confirmed that Mexican businesses have a positive impact on the local community through job creation, the use of Irish suppliers, cultural diversity, and social cohesion by promoting Mexican traditions. This research contributes to the field of entrepreneurship by offering a deeper understanding of Mexican businesses in Dublin and highlighting the need to expand current theoretical frameworks to include factors such as emotional, cultural, and identity-based motivations. It also offers practical recommendations for the benefit of entrepreneurs.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Supervisors:	Name Email Walsh, Jeffrey UNSPECIFIED
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HC Economic History and Conditions > Globalisation H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races > Immigrant Communities H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > New Business Enterprises
Divisions:	School of Business (- 2025) > Master of Science in Management
Depositing User:	Ciara O'Brien
Date Deposited:	12 Jan 2026 13:01
Last Modified:	12 Jan 2026 13:01
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/9093

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