Women Artisans in Economic and Social Development: A Systematic Literature Review on Entrepreneurship, Cultural Heritage, and Empowerment

Monica Sanchez and Yingying Zhang Zhang ()
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Monica Sanchez: Autonomous University of Tamaulipas
Yingying Zhang Zhang: IUJ Research Institute, International University of Japan

No EMS_2026_18, Working Papers from Research Institute, International University of Japan

Abstract: Introduction: Women artisans play a crucial role at the intersection of cultural heritage, entrepreneurship, and rural development, acting as preservers of age-old traditions and catalysts for community economic growth, although the scientific literature on this phenomenon remains fragmented. Objective: To synthesize and analyze existing evidence regarding women artisans, focusing on their roles as agents of economic development, preservers of cultural heritage, and drivers of social empowerment initiatives. Method: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA methodology, involving searches in the Scopus and Web of Science databases. Following a screening process, 30 studies were analyzed using both bibliometric and hermeneutic approaches. Results: Systemic barriers-such as limited access to finance and sociocultural restrictions-were identified alongside effective facilitators, such as cooperatives that generate income growth. Conclusions: Women's artisan entrepreneurship constitutes an integrated model of sustainable development that links personal empowerment, cultural preservation, and economic growth. Women artisans act as agents of social transformation, creating impacts that extend beyond their own lives to benefit entire communities.

Keywords: Women artisans; Rural entrepreneurship; Women's empowerment; Cultural heritage; Sustainable development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 39 pages
Date: 2026-11
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-sbm
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