Social Entrepreneurship through Social Capital: A Twist for Empowerment Programs

Abstract

The paper focus on relevance of ‘social entrepreneurship’ and ‘social capital’ in utilizing to effective results in social empowerment and poverty alleviating programs, In reference to successful story of Kudumbashree units in Kerala state. The trend in addressing social issues shifted from focusing ‘economic inequality’ to ‘Social exclusion’ which is multidimensional and broader perspectives. But a single solution other than ‘Empowerment’ yet not felt meaningful to tackle the phenomenon. From 1980’s onwards related polices and plans were initiated by various governments, along with subsequent from other organizations. But there is need for meaningful practicable planning than following logics of equations, which generally calculates investment and income than generating the needed resources within affected groups. The programs based on the concepts of social capital and social entrepreneurship becomes success stories and role model. It equips them to be part of decision making, economic transactions and meeting the needs boldly, which is the crux of empowerment. We have unskilled people and less technology to utilize the resources and great population to feed. While both concepts have the productive and social bonding features, which can bring any excluded out of the gamut of vulnerability and equips to participate in society with self-reliance and confidence gained from social networks.