An interesting debate. For critiques of the idea annd practice of social
economy/social enterprise/community economy have a look at the following:
Leyshon, Lee & Williams (2003) 'Alternative Economic Spaces' Sage
Amin, Cameron & Hudson (2002) 'Placing the Social Economy' Routledge
Gibson-Graham (2006) 'A postcapitalist politics' Minnesota
Regards
David
> Hi Ant,
>
> Actually, Social Enterprise can actually be seen differently -
> basically, capitalism is the system in which we are working. You can
> talk about resisting it, or some imaginary revolution that will change
> it - but that doesn't change the trend or direction of capitalism. In my
> view, social enterprise 'hack' the system from the inside, using its
> methods and tools to lead to a socially beneficial outcome and
> progressive goals. You can look at the projects that UnLtd has done in
> the last 3 years for examples of this (one of my favourites is 'belu'
> where the fact that we like to drink bottled water is used to generate
> money for clean water projects around the world).
>
> Furthermore, social enterprise is actually about helping people in their
> communities and not 'lets give an opportunity to the bright ones to make
> the best of themselves' which is the actual model behind 'widening
> participation' and many other activities that you see around. Many of
> the projects that I know of in this area are creating jobs within the
> place where the entrepreneur lives.
>
> If you are promoting only non-for-profit, than where the money is coming
> from? In the social enterprise version, you at least got a sustainable
> stream to support your future activities. Many of the social enterprise,
> use their profit to increase their capabilities and help more people.
>
> Where I agree with you is about the last point - the term 'social
> enterprise' is being used widely for many things, some of them are not
> that benign. However, this is exactly the point of the research - over
> the next 3 years, we hope to find out more about what it means and how
> to ensure that where we help individuals to start businesses, charities
> and local activities, they really make an impact on their communities.
>
> Best
> Muki
>
> A Ince wrote:
>> hi all
>>
>> am i the only one, or are others a little concerned with concepts such
>> as 'social
>> entrepreneurship'? i fear the lexicon of capitalism has worked its way
>> into areas that are
>> trying to clean up all the mess it creates. the idea of 'social
>> entrepreneurship', to me, is a
>> contradiction in terms, since the whole concept of entrepreneurship is
>> an individualistic,
>> opportunistic and profit-driven business enterprise.
>>
>> even if you combine it with 'social' (a nice, fluffy, friendly word),
>> one is still serving to make
>> legitimate, in non-profit milieux, a term that has for centuries been
>> used in the destructive
>> onslaught of the worst forms of speculative and private capital.
>>
>> i think we should be aware of the etymology and genealogy of words such
>> as these, lest
>> they become entrenched into our own so-called 'critical' lexicon...
>>
>> right, i'll get off my soapbox now
>>
>> ant
>>
>>
>>
>> Please forward this message to students and graduates who might be
>> interested in this
>> position
>> Thanks
>> Muki Haklay
>>
>> The UCL Department of Geomatic Engineering is looking to appoint a
>> Research Assistant
>> (Knowledge Transfer Partnership Associate). In partnership with UnLtd,
>> The Foundation for
>> Social Entrepreneurs, you will develop and implement a longitudinal
>> evaluation of UnLtdīs
>> award making activities.
>> This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting difference to the UKīs
>> leading charity for
>> social entrepreneurs. UnLtd supports people with vision, commitment and
>> determination
>> who wish to create a positive change in their communities. Each
>> individual supported by
>> UnLtd receives financial support as well as a tailored package of advice
>> and training.
>> You will devise and use geographical and spatial analysis techniques to
>> provide a detailed
>> profile of UnLtdīs awards, and most importantly, your work will identify
>> how UnLtd can
>> improve its performance.
>> Applicants should have a good honours degree (Minimum 2:1) in a social
>> science discipline
>> such as Geography, Sociology or Psychology. You will have covered
>> research methods
>> during your degree and a MSc in a discipline similar to the project is
>> desirable. You should
>> have conducted qualitative and quantitative research before and have
>> strong analytical
>> skills. In addition, you need strong communication and interpersonal
>> skills and must be
>> prepared to travel across the UK.
>> Salary will be on the Grade 6, pt 23 of the UCL salary scale: Ģ23,939
>> per annum (including
>> London weighting) and there is an additional Ģ3,000 training budget for
>> the selected
>> candidate, as well as the opportunity to attend conferences related to
>> the project.
>> Further information and a downloadable application form can be obtained
>> from
>> http://www.ucl.ac.uk/~ucfamha/UnLtd/ website Applications must be made
>> in writing by post
>> to Dr Muki Haklay, department of Geomatic Engineering, UCL, Gower St.,
>> London, WC1E
>> 6BT and should include the following covering letter, completed UCL
>> application form,
>> current full CV, and the names and contact details of two referees.
>> Please note that
>> interviews will be held during the week of 22nd September.
>> UCL Taking Action for Equality.
>> The closing date for applications is Friday, 1st September 2006.
>>
>
> --
> Dr Muki Haklay: Lecturer in GIS E: [log in to unmask]
> <mailto:[log in to unmask]>
> Department of Geomatic Engineering T: +44 20 7679 2745
> University College London (UCL) F: +44 20 7380 0453
> Gower St. London WC1E 6BT http://www.ge.ucl.ac.uk/~mhaklay
> <http://www.ge.ucl.ac.uk/%7Emhaklay>
>
>
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