Article summary
Abstract
- Social entrepreneurship has emerged as a hybrid model that combines the efficiency of market mechanisms with the inclusivity of social missions, offering innovative solutions to complex community challenges. This review paper explores the evolution and multidimensional role of social entrepreneurship in fostering community development, with emphasis on economic empowerment, social equity, and environmental sustainability. The literature reveals that social enterprises contribute significantly to poverty reduction, employment generation, healthcare, education, and ecological stewardship, while also aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The paper further highlights theoretical frameworks—such as Institutional Theory, Social Capital Theory, and Sustainable Development Theory— that explain how social enterprises mobilize resources, navigate institutional voids, and strengthen local resilience. Despite these contributions, challenges remain in terms of scalability, impact measurement, and balancing profit with social mission. The review identifies gaps in empirical evidence, particularly in emerging economies and youth driven initiatives, suggesting the need for further interdisciplinary and context-specific research. Overall, the paper affirms that social entrepreneurship is not merely an alternative business approach but a developmental paradigm that has the potential to create resilient, inclusive, and sustainable communities.