Social enterprises, social inclusion and positive social change

Abstract

Social enterprises – organisations that use market based-based activities to alleviate societal needs – and social entrepreneurs –individuals working for their own account to pursue prosocial goals to benefit others – work to address societal challenges such as social inequalities and exclusion. But how can social enterprises be a force for greater social inclusion and positive social change? This policy brief summarizes relevant evidence from two perspectives. First, from the perspective of the individual social entrepreneur by asking whether we may see greater inclusiveness in terms of who becomes a social entrepreneur. This perspective also explores whether social and commercial entrepreneurship may compete for the same entrepreneurially talented individuals. Second, from the perspective of the organisation, i.e. the social enterprise, by asking what are the mechanisms and strategies through which social enterprises may stimulate positive social change towards inclusive societies.