In this paper, the outreach of social entrepreneurship – from beneficiaries to different sectors in society is explored and analyzed. Based on literature on social entrepreneurship, social enterprises, social development, and the organization of (welfare) societies this study highlights cross-sectorial interplay in a time of reconsidering roles in society. Empirically this paper is based on a study of 67 initiatives in Sweden.
Social entrepreneurship and social enterprises are currently ascribed a potential to solve ‘all sorts’ of problems both in welfare societies as well as in developing countries with weak welfare structures (see eg. Borzaga & Defourny 2001; Yunus & Weber 2008). This hope is many times backed up by arguments of individuals' capacity to choose and act in the interest of socially marginalized groups or the public good (Dees 1998; Nicholls 2010) and/or references to success stories in which social entrepreneurship and social enterprises play a crucial role (Nicholls 2006; Mair, Robinson & Hockerts 2006). But social entrepreneurship and social enterprises role(s) to reach out to and solve underprivileged groups’ problem is still less problematized.
Social entrepreneurship and social enterprises are, however, not homogenous. There are several different expressions. In some cases the expressions are similar with businesses while other expressions are similar to different non-profit organization types (Shaw & Carter 2007; Hulgård 2010; Gawell 2014). In same cases a bottom-up approach and empowerment are highlighted in practice as well as in governance structures (Borzaga & Defourney 2001, Spear et al. 2001, Nyssens 2006). This means that social entrepreneurship relates both to commodities and capacities (Sen 1999), the mobilization and building of social capital (Westlund & Gawell 2012), the governance of the common (Ostrom 1990).
The aim of this paper is to further the problematization of social entrepreneurship and social enterprises role(s) in reaching out to underprivileged groups and to solve their problems. It will be done through a conceptual discussion and analysis of empirical studies in this field. The analysis is based on primary data from Swedish studies of social entrepreneurship and social enterprises.
Methodologically, this paper is based on mixed methods in which conceptual analysis is combined with data from a study of 67 social entrepreneurship initiatives funded by the Swedish Heritage Fund aiming to support youth and people with disabilities.
The results of this study highlights a reconsideration, even negotiation, of roles between different sectors in society and thereby reveals evolving sectorial relations in which different stakeholders from different sectors intricately participate. In the case of Sweden, the relation between private for- and nonprofit organizations on the one hand and the public sector on the other hand is of particular interest. This study also reveals aspects from the beneficiaries’ point of view both in terms of services but also access to self definition, identification of needs and solutions that can grant self reliance and independence.
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Paper_Gawell_To_Entrepreneur_the_Social.pdf 