On January 24, 2025, the Technical University of Hamburg (TUHH) hosted the research seminar “Paradox & Gender,” organized by Amanda Baum and Pauline Reinecke (TUHH) in collaboration with Tobias Hahn (Esade Business School). The seminar brought together scholars and practitioners to explore gender-related tensions in organizations, moving beyond familiar topics like the glass ceiling and gender pay gap.
The event focused on the intersection of gender, culture, and organizational dynamics, addressing under-researched areas. Discussions examined the impact of traditional family structures, such as polygamy and the heteronormative nuclear family, on entrepreneurship and market dynamics. Participants also explored how media portrayals and investor biases shape perceptions of female entrepreneurs, influencing their strategies to navigate stereotypes.
Another key theme was the social dimension of female leadership, emphasizing how social support and communal behaviors empower women to navigate gender expectations while asserting their authority. Broader issues of gender inequality and masculinized narratives in digital entrepreneurship were also critically analyzed, alongside reflections on the methodological challenges of feminist research.
By reframing traditional debates and tackling nuanced paradoxes, the seminar contributed to expanding the scope of management research. and fostering a more inclusive perspective on gender in organizations. Future workshops and publications will continue to build on these critical insights.
