History as Critique in Entrepreneurship Studies

This chapter discusses the critical function of history for entrepreneurship studies. It argues that several historical approaches to entrepreneurship align with the emancipatory agenda of Critical Entrepreneurship Studies (CES). In fact, entrepreneurial history first emerged as a nineteenth century critique of market-based classical economics that was highly influential for how the field of entrepreneurship became established. In recent years, historians have reengaged these earlier approaches, contributing to a critical and history-informed reading of entrepreneurship. The chapter concludes by asking ‘what’s next’, discussing some ways that historical approaches can further enhance criticality in entrepreneurship studies and determining what type of critique they advance and how such critique challenges, expands on, or engages CES.