There is a lot of hype surrounding “entrepreneurship” these days; in some quarters, it is hailed as the answer to global catastrophe, with private enterprise wading in where governments fail. In the media, entrepreneurs are held up as modern folk-heroes, perpetuating a narrative of hard work, substantial reward and rugged individualism. But is entrepreneurship really as fabulous as it may seem?

This monograph brings together essays from academics in interdisciplinary fields, drawing on established scholarly literature, fascinating new research and case studies from a wide range of companies and circumstances, to provide a counterbalance to the prevailing narrative of entrepreneurship as unambiguous good. It examines the fetishization of entrepreneurship, the effect of neoliberal control, the harmful effect of entrepreneurship on the mental health of professionals, the organizational damage caused by entrepreneurial practices, social inequality and data piracy, and more.

It will appeal to academics working in the field of entrepreneurship, especially those in search of an oft-neglected critical perspective.