Gender, Crisis and Future Social Responsibility: Micro-entrepreneurs in the Tourism Sector in Peru

Julianna Ramirez Lozano; Kelly  Rojas Valdez; Juan Carlos Sosa-Varela

doi:10.25145/j.pasos.2026.24.063

Authors

Julianna Ramirez Lozano Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Perú and CENTRUM Catolica Graduate Business School https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8749-6915
Prof. Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Perú and CENTRUM Catolica Graduate Business School https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4866-1671
Juan Carlos Sosa-Varela Universidad Ana G. Mendez. Gurabo Campus

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25145/j.pasos.2026.24.063

Keywords:

SMEs, Cusco, pandemic, emerging country, university social responsibility

Abstract

This study explores the intersection of gender and social responsibility (SR) within micro-entrepreneurship in the tourism sector of Peru. It examines how male and female entrepreneurs perceive and implement SR, particularly during times of crisis, across its economic, social, and environmental dimensions. This exploratory research adopts a quantitative approach. The authors collected and analysed surveys administered to participants from the tourism sector, all of whom were micro-entrepreneurs enrolled in a tourism training programme. The key findings indicate that social responsibility was considered important despite the challenges faced, and that SR activities contributed positively to businesses and the local environment. No significant differences were observed between men and women in their approach to SR. This study contributes to expanding the existing body of knowledge on SR in times of crisis in the tourism industry, through a gender lens and within a Latin American context.

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Editor & editorial board: profiles
Academic society: PASOS. Revista de Turismo y Patrimonio Cultural
Publisher: Instituto Universitario de Investigación Social y Turismo. Universidad de La Laguna (España) - Instituto Universitario da Maia ISMAI (Portugal)

Author Biographies

Prof., Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Perú and CENTRUM Catolica Graduate Business School

Master's Degree in Strategic Business Administration from CENTRUM PUCP Business School. International Master's Degree in Leadership from EADA Business School in Spain. Bachelor's Degree in Hotel Management from San Ignacio de Loyola University. Participant in the Global Colloquium at Harvard Business School, Boston, USA. Member of The International Honor Society Beta Gamma Sigma. More than fifteen years of experience in production, marketing, human resources, operations, and logistics in service and production companies, both nationally and internationally. Consultant, trainer, and teacher at CENTRUM PUCP. Dynamic, optimistic, innovative, responsible attitude with a long-term vision, focused on optimizing results. Develops personal growth, mentoring, and social responsibility workshops.

Juan Carlos Sosa-Varela, Universidad Ana G. Mendez. Gurabo Campus

Dean and Professor of International Business at the School of Business and Entrepreneurship at Ana G. Méndez University, Gurabo Campus in Puerto Rico. He is also associate editor of European Business Review. He has been a visiting professor at the National University of Colombia, the University of the Pacific, the University of Puerto Rico, the School of Industrial Organization in Madrid, and the Business School of the University of Colima in Mexico. Dr. Sosa's research and consulting experience is in Global Marketing, Regional Marketing Strategies, and Marketing Strategies. His articles have been published in several academic and professional journals. He has also contributed to book chapters on International Marketing and Cluster Development and has given numerous presentations to academic and business groups around the world, including Mexico, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Norway, Costa Rica, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Canada, and the United States.

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