Social Enterprise in China

This book explores social innovation and entrepreneurship in China, focusing on selected social enterprises and processes. It addresses the question of why China? in terms of social innovation and welfare policies, and discusses the complexities involved in their positioning between the state and their beneficiaries. The theoretical foundation of the study is the Durkheimian concept of the social contract, and the empirical cases document how social enterprises reposition elements in the various configurations to mobilise resources from their stakeholders. The book concludes that the discursive topology is altered in the process and the social contract is renewed in culturally meaningful, if paradoxical, ways.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 166 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive exploration delves into the realm of social innovation and entrepreneurship in China, offering a profound analysis of selected social enterprises and their processes. Rather than focusing on traditional military, economic, or political ambitions, the book explores China's unique perspective in terms of social innovation and welfare policies. Through a range of in-depth ethnographic studies and discussions of global trends, the book offers a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in social enterprise positioning within the state and their interactions with beneficiaries.

Despite the significant improvements in social conditions in China, the study highlights unresolved issues that social enterprises address. It delves into the intricate dynamics of their positioning between the state and their beneficiaries, considering the unique complexities of China's dual system of circulation and the moral economy of ethnic minorities.

The theoretical foundation of the study is rooted in Durkheim's concept of the social contract, which is interpreted and operationalized within a Chinese framing known as guanxi. This framework encompasses the broader societal facts or guanxi, adapted to specific socio-cultural configurations. The empirical cases presented in the book showcase how social enterprises strategically reimagine and reposition elements within these configurations to mobilize resources from their stakeholders.

Through this lens, the book concludes that the discursive topology is altered in the process, leading to a renewed and culturally meaningful social contract. While this renewal may present paradoxical outcomes, it underscores the transformative potential of social innovation and entrepreneurship in China, contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable society.

This book appeals to a wide range of researchers, students, and academics interested in business and social entrepreneurship, particularly those with a keen interest in the Chinese context. It provides valuable insights into the complexities of social enterprise development, the role of the state, and the interplay between social and economic factors in shaping the country's social landscape.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032128313