Abstract
The study frames the livelihood practices of Afghans in Peshawar through the concept of entrepreneurship and conceptualizes it as a function of their (entrepreneurial) identity. Afghan (entrepreneurial) identity is considered as a progression and extension of historical, cultural, political and contextual undercurrents. Identities are anchored through moral propositions regulating values and behaviour. For the individual level they represent the idea of opposing poles; right and wrong, desirable and undesirable (Schöpflin, 2001). From a historical viewpoint, Afghan livelihood practices are considered to be ‘subsistence level agrarian’ where migration has been a constant feature of their lives. Culturally, the code of ‘Pashtunwali’ considered to be enduring in various forms over millennia. It is considered to be the ideal type model for any Pashtun. Politically, Afghans are considered as a tribal society with a strong history of highly volatile relationships. Lastly, the contextual factors represent the more immediate history of last forty years which can be bracketed between ‘Afghan’ being eulogized as the ultimate flag-bearer of freedom and ‘Afghan’ as a most feared terrorist. The thematic analyses of the reflections of three expert voices with vast experience in Afghan affairs illustrate two intertwined currents. Firstly, the question of Afghan and Pashtun identity leading to comparison between Pakistani and Afghani Pashtuns and culminating in the portrayal of ‘strong’ and ‘weak’ identities. Secondly, the redefinition of identities through the construction of new economic ways of being that is supported by adherence to Pashtunwali. Together, the two trends exhibit an ‘Afghan entrepreneurial identity’ strongly stimulated and supported by Pashtunwali. The paper breaks new ground by theorizing ‘Afghan entrepreneur’ and also provides a glimpse of reinterpretation of Pashtunwali.
Dr. Muhammad Junaid, , Mehboob-ur-Rashid, Nasir Shaheen. (2014) Afghan Entrepreneurial Identity in Peshawar: A Thematic Analysis of ‘Expert Voices’, Journal of Managerial Sciences, Volume 8, Issue 2.
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