Week 1 Reading Responses

Social Entrepreneurship: The Case for Definition

This article works to define the activities of a social entrepreneur, and makes a case that the broadening of its definition only works to confuse and dilute its meaning. The authors differentiate between a pure entrepreneur and a "socent," saying that entrepreneurs are always expected to receive some personal financial gain; profit is the only way to maintain a long-lasting venture, as well as to create a new market equilibrium. On the other hand, the socent is not confined by earning but by instigating a change that eventually leads to a newly satisfactory market equilibrium, though this change may not be as a result of the socent or his or her own organization.

The Meaning of "Social Entrepreneurship"

Again, the author attempts to expand upon socent vs. entrepreneurs. He says that for the former, profit and earnings are a means to an end while for the latter they are a measure of success. He also argues that one of the most essential characteristics of a socent is believing beyond one's resources--that most people live according to their jobs and capabilities, but socents are able to use other people's resources to accomplish their goals. While that sounds sort of awfully manipulative, I think this is really true. Finally, best line ever: "Should everyone aspire to be a social entrepreneur? No." okay tell me what you really think...

Reshaping Social Entrepreneurship

This article takes a different approach to its definition. Instead, it looks at the flaws of defining entrepreneurs as hailed individuals, which I appreciate because when you're reading about these people there's really no hope of ever reaching their level. It says that the dangers of talking about individuals shifts the focus from what the entrepreneur does to how well they can sell an idea. It also addresses the need for a mix of diverse talents for social entrepreneurship to be truly effective, qualities that need a backing of an organization or many people working together. 
"A social entrepreneur is an individual, group, network, organization, or alliance of organizations that seeks sustainable, large-scale change through pattern-breaking ideas in what or how governments, nonprofits, and businesses do to address significant social problems."

This quote feels very critical because it creates an entire field for socent to grow into, and reflects the connected nature global to local support.

The Rise of the Social Entrepreneur

As society is becoming increasingly complicated and divided within the roles government should play, there are small-scale progressive changes being instituted by local citizens across the country. A key aspect of the changes made by these and other social entrepreneurs are that they are make change together--in teams, interacting and networking with the community and other local agents of change. These local socents are facilitators of change, and inspire others to join in movements of great opportunity.