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Social Entrepreneurship: What Everyone Needs to Know®
In development circles, there is now widespread consensus that social entrepreneurs represent a far better mechanism to respond to needs than we have ever had before--a decentralized and emergent force that remains our best hope for solutions that can keep pace with our problems and create a more peaceful world.
David Bornstein's previous book on social entrepreneurship, How to Change the World , was hailed by Nicholas Kristof in the New York Times as "a bible in the field" and published in more than twenty countries. Now, Bornstein shifts the focus from the profiles of successful social innovators in that book--and teams with Susan Davis, a founding board member of the Grameen Foundation--to offer the first general overview of social entrepreneurship. In a Q & A format allowing readers to go directly to the information they need, the authors map out social entrepreneurship in its broadest terms as well as in its particulars.
Bornstein and Davis explain what social entrepreneurs are, how their organizations function, and what challenges they face. The book will give readers an understanding of what differentiates social entrepreneurship from standard business ventures and how it differs from traditional grant-based non-profit work. Unlike the typical top-down, model-based approach to solving problems employed by the World Bank and other large institutions, social entrepreneurs work through a process of iterative learning -- learning by doing--working with communities to find unique, local solutions to unique, local problems. Most importantly, the book shows readers exactly how they can get involved.
Anyone inspired by Barack Obama's call to service and who wants to learn more about the essential features and enormous promise of this new method of social change, Social What Everyone Needs to Know® is the ideal first place to look.
What Everyone Needs to Know® is a registered trademark of Oxford University Press.
David Bornstein's previous book on social entrepreneurship, How to Change the World , was hailed by Nicholas Kristof in the New York Times as "a bible in the field" and published in more than twenty countries. Now, Bornstein shifts the focus from the profiles of successful social innovators in that book--and teams with Susan Davis, a founding board member of the Grameen Foundation--to offer the first general overview of social entrepreneurship. In a Q & A format allowing readers to go directly to the information they need, the authors map out social entrepreneurship in its broadest terms as well as in its particulars.
Bornstein and Davis explain what social entrepreneurs are, how their organizations function, and what challenges they face. The book will give readers an understanding of what differentiates social entrepreneurship from standard business ventures and how it differs from traditional grant-based non-profit work. Unlike the typical top-down, model-based approach to solving problems employed by the World Bank and other large institutions, social entrepreneurs work through a process of iterative learning -- learning by doing--working with communities to find unique, local solutions to unique, local problems. Most importantly, the book shows readers exactly how they can get involved.
Anyone inspired by Barack Obama's call to service and who wants to learn more about the essential features and enormous promise of this new method of social change, Social What Everyone Needs to Know® is the ideal first place to look.
What Everyone Needs to Know® is a registered trademark of Oxford University Press.
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
95 people are currently reading
1106 people want to read
About the author
David Bornstein
18 books26 followersDavid Bornstein specializes in writing about social innovation. He is the author of The Price of a Dream and How to Change the World, which has been published in 20 languages. His articles have appeared in the Atlantic Monthly, the New York Times, and many other publications globally. He co-wrote the PBS documentary "To Our Credit." He is the founder of Dowser.org, a Web site devoted to uncovering stories of change. He lives in New York City.
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April 6, 2017
Social Entrepreneurship:L What it Is, How it Works, and Where it's Going
After three decades of increasingly widespread public attention, a surprisingly large number of commentators in the field of social entrepreneurship continue to argue about the most basic question of all: What is a social enterprise, and what isn’t? In this superb little book, David Bornstein and Susan Davis straightforwardly put this question to rest: “Social entrepreneurship is a process by which citizens build or transform institutions to advance solutions to social problems, such as poverty, illness, illiteracy, environmental destruction, human rights abuses, and corruption, in order to make life better for many.” So much for all those deconstructionists who contend that a social enterprise must never turn a profit, or must always turn a profit, or must address some sorts of problems but not others!
As an introduction to the field, Social Entrepreneurship is unmatched.
Most books on social entrepreneurship feature case studies or vignettes starring some of the field’s most innovative and successful individuals. This was the case with an earlier book of Bornstein’s, How to Change the World, which is widely (and rightfully) regarded as “the bible” of the field. By contrast, the three short chapters that constitute Social Entrepreneurship ask and answer the most fundamental questions that any reader unfamiliar with the pursuit of social change might ask, first clarifying the definition of social entrepreneurship, then examining the practical challenges practitioners face, and finally “Envisioning an Innovating Society.” In that third chapter, Bornstein and Davis discuss how government, academia, business, philanthropy, and the news media might contribute to fashioning the “everyone a changemaker” world posited by Ashoka’s Bill Drayton.
As the authors point out, “Social entrepreneurs have always existed. But in the past they were called visionaries, humanitarians, philanthropists, reformers, saints, or simply great leaders. Attention was paid to their courage, compassion, and vision but rarely to the practical aspects of their accomplishments. Thus, people may know about the moral teachings of St. Francis but not about how the Franciscans became the fastest growing religious order of its day. Children learn that Florence Nightingale ministered to wounded soldiers but not that she built the first professional school for nurses and revolutionized hospital construction. Gandhi is remembered for demonstrations of nonviolent rsistance but not for building a decentralized political apparatus that enabled India to make a successful transition to self-rule.” And if St. Francis, Florence Nightingale, and Gandhi exemplified the isolated and occasional social entrepreneurs of yesteryear, there are thousands of courageous individuals now walking parallel paths to institutional change on every continent — backed up by a growing suport network that includes Ashoka, the Skoll Foundation, the Schwab Center for Social Entrepreneurship, Avina, and many other organizations. Given the enormity of the challenges facing humanity in the 21st Century, their combined efforts may represent our last, best hope to create a world in which our grandchildren can live healthy, rewarding lives.
David Bornstein and Susan Davis came to the task of writing this book with impeccable qualifications. In addition to How to Change the World, which went into a second edition in 2007, Bornstein wrote The Price of a Dream: The Story of the Grameen Bank, first published in 1996. He is the preeminent journalist in the field. Davis is a supremely accomplished activist, having served as a founding member of the Grameen Foundation and then co-founding BRAC USA, which she serves as President and CEO. (BRAC began its institutional life as a Bangladeshi nonprofit, later expanding to many other countries around the world. It is regarded as the world’s largest NGO.) She also helps select Ashoka Fellows. Previously, she held a series of senior positions with the Ford Foundation, Women’s World Banking, the International Labor Organisation, and other institutions.
(From www.malwarwickonbooks.com)
After three decades of increasingly widespread public attention, a surprisingly large number of commentators in the field of social entrepreneurship continue to argue about the most basic question of all: What is a social enterprise, and what isn’t? In this superb little book, David Bornstein and Susan Davis straightforwardly put this question to rest: “Social entrepreneurship is a process by which citizens build or transform institutions to advance solutions to social problems, such as poverty, illness, illiteracy, environmental destruction, human rights abuses, and corruption, in order to make life better for many.” So much for all those deconstructionists who contend that a social enterprise must never turn a profit, or must always turn a profit, or must address some sorts of problems but not others!
As an introduction to the field, Social Entrepreneurship is unmatched.
Most books on social entrepreneurship feature case studies or vignettes starring some of the field’s most innovative and successful individuals. This was the case with an earlier book of Bornstein’s, How to Change the World, which is widely (and rightfully) regarded as “the bible” of the field. By contrast, the three short chapters that constitute Social Entrepreneurship ask and answer the most fundamental questions that any reader unfamiliar with the pursuit of social change might ask, first clarifying the definition of social entrepreneurship, then examining the practical challenges practitioners face, and finally “Envisioning an Innovating Society.” In that third chapter, Bornstein and Davis discuss how government, academia, business, philanthropy, and the news media might contribute to fashioning the “everyone a changemaker” world posited by Ashoka’s Bill Drayton.
As the authors point out, “Social entrepreneurs have always existed. But in the past they were called visionaries, humanitarians, philanthropists, reformers, saints, or simply great leaders. Attention was paid to their courage, compassion, and vision but rarely to the practical aspects of their accomplishments. Thus, people may know about the moral teachings of St. Francis but not about how the Franciscans became the fastest growing religious order of its day. Children learn that Florence Nightingale ministered to wounded soldiers but not that she built the first professional school for nurses and revolutionized hospital construction. Gandhi is remembered for demonstrations of nonviolent rsistance but not for building a decentralized political apparatus that enabled India to make a successful transition to self-rule.” And if St. Francis, Florence Nightingale, and Gandhi exemplified the isolated and occasional social entrepreneurs of yesteryear, there are thousands of courageous individuals now walking parallel paths to institutional change on every continent — backed up by a growing suport network that includes Ashoka, the Skoll Foundation, the Schwab Center for Social Entrepreneurship, Avina, and many other organizations. Given the enormity of the challenges facing humanity in the 21st Century, their combined efforts may represent our last, best hope to create a world in which our grandchildren can live healthy, rewarding lives.
David Bornstein and Susan Davis came to the task of writing this book with impeccable qualifications. In addition to How to Change the World, which went into a second edition in 2007, Bornstein wrote The Price of a Dream: The Story of the Grameen Bank, first published in 1996. He is the preeminent journalist in the field. Davis is a supremely accomplished activist, having served as a founding member of the Grameen Foundation and then co-founding BRAC USA, which she serves as President and CEO. (BRAC began its institutional life as a Bangladeshi nonprofit, later expanding to many other countries around the world. It is regarded as the world’s largest NGO.) She also helps select Ashoka Fellows. Previously, she held a series of senior positions with the Ford Foundation, Women’s World Banking, the International Labor Organisation, and other institutions.
(From www.malwarwickonbooks.com)
December 27, 2012
This is a neat book. It's a quick read and gives a good synopsis of some of the most important principles and ideas for successful social ventures and entrepreneurship. This kind of work is so exciting to me! I love learning about it and am inspired by the work people are doing to make a difference in the world. Many want to help, but don't know where to begin. I still feel that way, but am inspired again to figure it out for me! :)
Social entrepreneurship is a process by which citizens build or transform institutions to advance solutions to social problems to make life better. Social entrepreneurs are open-minded, willing to experiment, persistent in moving forward and able to navigate through the system to get things done. They help others envision a new possibility and break it down into steps to build momentum for change. They take an active role in shaping a good society. They often attack problems with limited resources, but are mindful in inviting people to come together to create priorities and goals to create a full solution. They believe that the world's toughest problems can be solved and are willing to try new ideas and look for ways to use philanthropy more effectively.
In a changing society there is great need for these kind of people who understand their values and priorities and strengths and the changing needs of society and are ready to make a difference.
I'm excited and inspired again about the possibilities and need to figure out where I can make a difference.
Social entrepreneurship is a process by which citizens build or transform institutions to advance solutions to social problems to make life better. Social entrepreneurs are open-minded, willing to experiment, persistent in moving forward and able to navigate through the system to get things done. They help others envision a new possibility and break it down into steps to build momentum for change. They take an active role in shaping a good society. They often attack problems with limited resources, but are mindful in inviting people to come together to create priorities and goals to create a full solution. They believe that the world's toughest problems can be solved and are willing to try new ideas and look for ways to use philanthropy more effectively.
In a changing society there is great need for these kind of people who understand their values and priorities and strengths and the changing needs of society and are ready to make a difference.
I'm excited and inspired again about the possibilities and need to figure out where I can make a difference.
October 3, 2024
İnsan merak ediyor. 1980’lerde sosyal değişimde inovasyon diyerek yola çıkan bir alan bugün nasıl kopyala-yapıştır bir performans sanatına dönüştü? Nasıl geri dönüştürülmüş ve organik ürünlerin satıldığı kermeslere; yılbaşında kurumsal ürün satışına; STK iktisadi işletmelerine alternatif gelir modelleri üretmeye; aynı kişilerin katıldığı (yazar burada kendisiyle dalga geçiyor. çünkü kendisiyle dalga geçemeyen sosyal dönüşüm çabası da ne biliyim. biraz şey) sosyal girişimcilik etkinliğinde kooperatifler tarafından yapılmış dekoratif (ve muhtemelen bir daha kullanmayacağımız) ürünleri dağıtmaya; pitch deck’lere; kanvas ve post-it dolu pazarlama, gelir modeli oluşturma, etki ölçümleme atölyelerine; kültleri andıran ödül törenlerine ve ilham verici konuşmalara, ve bunların çıktılarını sosyal medyada sinyallerek akredite olduğumuz, kimlik kazandığımız bir gösteriye dönüştü?
Bir süredir, sosyal girişimcilik sadece popüler oldu diye değil, bu alana uzaktan bakıp meta düzeyde neler oluyor anlamak istedim. Ve yine gönlüme göre bir derleme bulamayınca kendim yapmaya kalkıştım, bu tavşan deliğine girdim. 🕳️🐇
Güncel tartışmalar şunlar etrafında evriliyor: Bu neoliberal yaklaşımların eşitsizlikleri devletin sorumluluğundan alıp bireylerin sırtına yüklemesi. Sosyal girişimciliğin adeta bir Panakea mitiymişçesine (bütün hastalıkların çaresi) karşılaştığımız tüm grand challenge’lara bir çözüm gibi öne sürülmesi. Bireylerin kahramanlaştırılmasına yapılan aşırı vurgu. Sosyal girişimcilerin “sorunlu iş-yaşam dengesinin” olumlanması. Tüm bu gelir modellerinin içinde sistem dönüşümü vurgusunun neredeyse hiç olmaması. Ortaya çıkan etkinin abartılıyor veya ölçülemiyor olması. Standartların oluşturulamaması. Özellikle akademik tartışmaların (belli kurum ve kişilerin güdümünde bir alan olduğu için) alana tarafsız ve eleştirel yaklaşamaması. Yeni bir seçilmiş elit kitle oluşturması. (Umarım, Türkiye’de sosyal girişimcilik regülasyonu oluşturulma arifesinde güzellemeler dışında eleştirilere de yer verilir.)
Sosyal girişimcilik alanı için önemli ve en çok referans verilen metinlerden biri. Ben geriye dönük okumaları çok sevmesem de Ashoka hikayesini okumak için iyiydi. Ben sadece biraz eleştiri de görmek istiyorum. Full sosyal girişimcilik övgüsü olunca inandırıcılığını yitiriyor gibi geliyor.
Bir süredir, sosyal girişimcilik sadece popüler oldu diye değil, bu alana uzaktan bakıp meta düzeyde neler oluyor anlamak istedim. Ve yine gönlüme göre bir derleme bulamayınca kendim yapmaya kalkıştım, bu tavşan deliğine girdim. 🕳️🐇
Güncel tartışmalar şunlar etrafında evriliyor: Bu neoliberal yaklaşımların eşitsizlikleri devletin sorumluluğundan alıp bireylerin sırtına yüklemesi. Sosyal girişimciliğin adeta bir Panakea mitiymişçesine (bütün hastalıkların çaresi) karşılaştığımız tüm grand challenge’lara bir çözüm gibi öne sürülmesi. Bireylerin kahramanlaştırılmasına yapılan aşırı vurgu. Sosyal girişimcilerin “sorunlu iş-yaşam dengesinin” olumlanması. Tüm bu gelir modellerinin içinde sistem dönüşümü vurgusunun neredeyse hiç olmaması. Ortaya çıkan etkinin abartılıyor veya ölçülemiyor olması. Standartların oluşturulamaması. Özellikle akademik tartışmaların (belli kurum ve kişilerin güdümünde bir alan olduğu için) alana tarafsız ve eleştirel yaklaşamaması. Yeni bir seçilmiş elit kitle oluşturması. (Umarım, Türkiye’de sosyal girişimcilik regülasyonu oluşturulma arifesinde güzellemeler dışında eleştirilere de yer verilir.)
Sosyal girişimcilik alanı için önemli ve en çok referans verilen metinlerden biri. Ben geriye dönük okumaları çok sevmesem de Ashoka hikayesini okumak için iyiydi. Ben sadece biraz eleştiri de görmek istiyorum. Full sosyal girişimcilik övgüsü olunca inandırıcılığını yitiriyor gibi geliyor.
April 15, 2020
The book is really a good introduction to social entrepreneurship, you can have all your questions answered here. It is great to start with and understand the basics of what a social entrepreur do and what are the characterstics he/she should have. I totally recommend this book to all my socially motivated friends out there.
April 5, 2023
I read this for school. To be honest, I didn’t find it extremely interesting, but some of the real-world examples were interesting. It definitely helped me in the class, but I didn’t really enjoy reading it all that much.
March 3, 2018
This book is divided into three parts, and I was going to give it one star after reading the first part of it. First part tries to define Social Entrepreneurship, and it uses too many euphemisms and jargon and projects Social Entrepreneurship as the most challenging holy grail and Social Entrepreneurs as larger than life people. I found it very conceited and obnoxious.
The tone mellows in the second part, and the third part of the book provides the much-needed redemption. Third part talks about how anyone can pursue Social Entrepreneurship and how it can make difference in several aspects of our society. And it also beautifully summaries the approach one should follow to do social entrepreneurship, "To become a successful changemaker, you don't have to study social entrepreneurship. You do need to understand the workings of the systems you hope to change and the history of the problem with which you are concerned."
It feels two completely different people wrote the beginning and the ending of the book. And the book does have two authors.
The third part of the book is very good, but first part might encourage readers to put this book away.
The tone mellows in the second part, and the third part of the book provides the much-needed redemption. Third part talks about how anyone can pursue Social Entrepreneurship and how it can make difference in several aspects of our society. And it also beautifully summaries the approach one should follow to do social entrepreneurship, "To become a successful changemaker, you don't have to study social entrepreneurship. You do need to understand the workings of the systems you hope to change and the history of the problem with which you are concerned."
It feels two completely different people wrote the beginning and the ending of the book. And the book does have two authors.
The third part of the book is very good, but first part might encourage readers to put this book away.
October 10, 2011
I read this while the “Occupy Wall Street” demonstration was going on, and as pictures rolled in on my Facebook page (yes, I have friends down there), I couldn’t help but feel that I ought to take this book to the protest, stand up on a podium, and read it out loud. I sympathize with the anger that people feel over the financial crisis, but I just don’t see that protest engenders solutions. The ideas in this book, however, can. The author defines social entrepreneurship as a hybrid between philanthropy, social activism, and capitalism – organizations made up by active citizenry in the private sector. I don’t think the concept is as new as the author makes it out to be, but in any case, all the different organizations he described inspired me, and I especially appreciated that the groups were usually non-ideological. The book is short and therefore meant only as a springboard to more. So G-d willing, I’ll be reading more. I’ve got a whole list of books to read and websites to visit all cited in this book. I’ll keep you posted.
August 8, 2013
Social Entrepreneurship is a great primer in this exciting new area of business impacting social change. Bornstein and Davis provide thorough background and many examples of how social enterprises have evolved from the traditional humanitarian model to that of a viable business model. One phrase that stood out for me personally comes at the end of the last chapter and reads "The more honest your intention, the more genuine your attachment to the work, the more effective you will be- and the more fulfilled." Seems like a win-win for those driving social enterprises and for those benefiting from them.
February 17, 2014
This is a great introductory book to the field of social innovation. It provides great theoretical and hands-on advice for anyone interested in making a difference in the world as a social entrepreneur. I was also impressed with the overarching principles of change-makers, and felt them applicable to other facets of life (part III was especially moving to me). This book is great for anyone who wants to learn about social entrepreneurship or think about their possible impact on the world.
December 10, 2013
This is simple but all in one book on social entrepreneurship. Everything one need to know about social entrepreneurship and how to get involved is presented in a nutshell.
Read the complete review of this title at http://academia.co.in/reviews/?p=12
Read the complete review of this title at http://academia.co.in/reviews/?p=12
June 25, 2010
Despite the awful cover, I think this is a really great read for anyone wanting an introduction to social entrepreneurship. It also has a great list of recommended titles in the back pages.
February 18, 2014
The book was a quick read into the basics of Social Entrepreneurship. I would definitely recommend it to those who are looking for an intro into Social Innovation/Entrepreneurship.
February 24, 2021
This concept of this book, about the value of social entrepreneurship, is great. The execution left much to be desired. A few things which I appreciated. (1) The discussion about how entrepreneurship is vastly superior to government programs to solve complex issues in the world at all socio-economic classes was great. (2) The basic recognition of the great social entrepreneurial work happening around the world. (3) The basic laying out of ideas and struggles which entrepreneurship.
However, the main thing which bothered me throughout the whole book was the attempt to artificially distinguish between social and non social entrepreneurship. There is not a fine line between the two and the book often tried to paint a line. For example, you might see the line that social entrepreneurship are motivated by helping people, whereas a traditional entrepreneur is motivated by money. What a shallow and false dichotomy. This continual problem throughout the book of false dichotomies made parts infuriating to read.
Overall, this book is beneficial to those who have little exposure to the world of social entrepreneurship or who think that government programs are the primary way in which social challenges should be addressed.
However, the main thing which bothered me throughout the whole book was the attempt to artificially distinguish between social and non social entrepreneurship. There is not a fine line between the two and the book often tried to paint a line. For example, you might see the line that social entrepreneurship are motivated by helping people, whereas a traditional entrepreneur is motivated by money. What a shallow and false dichotomy. This continual problem throughout the book of false dichotomies made parts infuriating to read.
Overall, this book is beneficial to those who have little exposure to the world of social entrepreneurship or who think that government programs are the primary way in which social challenges should be addressed.
May 19, 2020
Since I'm falling behind on my reading goals, I'm officially counting all textbooks on Goodreads, as well. And this one is particularly interesting given my interest in the public sector. As a public administration student, it's different and refreshing to see a different take on social service provision from a private sector perspective.
Social Entrepreneurship: What Everyone Needs to Know is a short and punchy guide to the emerging movement, and after finishing the book, I can understand its appeal. On the other hand, it didn't convince me that social entrepreneurship is the panacea described in its chapters or that social entrepreneurs can provide social services better than government agencies.
Still, I think it's worth exploring the different approaches to public service provision, and I agree that in the future, public-private-non-for-profit partnerships will only continue to develop and expand. The challenge for all leaders within any of these sectors is bridging divides, forming relationships, and working together in harmony for the greater good.
Social Entrepreneurship: What Everyone Needs to Know is a short and punchy guide to the emerging movement, and after finishing the book, I can understand its appeal. On the other hand, it didn't convince me that social entrepreneurship is the panacea described in its chapters or that social entrepreneurs can provide social services better than government agencies.
Still, I think it's worth exploring the different approaches to public service provision, and I agree that in the future, public-private-non-for-profit partnerships will only continue to develop and expand. The challenge for all leaders within any of these sectors is bridging divides, forming relationships, and working together in harmony for the greater good.
September 24, 2019
A good introduction to social entrepreneurship, although not too technical.
Hoping for an expanded edition with more examples (not just Ashoka and Grameen Bank!) and resources for aspiring social entrepreneurs.
Hoping for an expanded edition with more examples (not just Ashoka and Grameen Bank!) and resources for aspiring social entrepreneurs.
November 4, 2021
Densely packed with knowledge about the social entrepreneurship field - the authors have uncovered gems in the field sharing their lessons learned, alongside broader ideas to allow individuals and corporations to support / contribute to improvements in society
December 24, 2024
This book was more engaging and applicable to my previous knowledge in sociology and politics. It may have been Susan Davis that brought a needed element of perspective on the sociopolitical landscape that social entrepreneurs operate in.
March 12, 2018
Great book to start. Easy to understand.
November 7, 2018
Excellent read on social entrepreneurship, concepts and introduction to this niche field of study.
March 20, 2020
Anfang und Ende eher zäh, dazwischen ein paar spannende Gedanken. Am interessantesten tatsächlich die letzten beiden Seiten mit Denkanstößen
January 7, 2023
The first part is strong and worth reading. The second and third parts are a bit dated, and biased.
August 28, 2025
Nice introduction to social entrepreneurship. However, many parts feel choppy, and there are many run-on sentences that made it boring to read.
September 23, 2016
This book is a very digestible overview of social entrepreneurship and its relationship to society and governments. In my mind, it is a must-read for anyone who considers themselves an agent of change; it offered many simple but key insights into the field and how individuals engage in this work.
As a former high schooler involved in social justice and policy work I used to think I just happened to be involved in a really cool extra-curricular activity. I never really understood the potential for the work I was doing to be a career path until I finally just realized that the only work I ever would find rewarding that I would want to do every day for the rest of my life was the work I was already doing. It may not seem like a conventional path or an easy one, but that was never what I was looking for. Now as a second year undergraduate college student I am imagining my role in social movements and my own human potential more robustly. Understanding nonprofits, social justice, and social entrepreneurship more complexly has allowed me to explore more options for my future in a very tangible way.
As a former high schooler involved in social justice and policy work I used to think I just happened to be involved in a really cool extra-curricular activity. I never really understood the potential for the work I was doing to be a career path until I finally just realized that the only work I ever would find rewarding that I would want to do every day for the rest of my life was the work I was already doing. It may not seem like a conventional path or an easy one, but that was never what I was looking for. Now as a second year undergraduate college student I am imagining my role in social movements and my own human potential more robustly. Understanding nonprofits, social justice, and social entrepreneurship more complexly has allowed me to explore more options for my future in a very tangible way.
January 14, 2015
40/100
This book was given to me by a friend, after I mentioned I was looking to start a business that's environmentally and socially conscious.
I found that the first third of the book, which gives a definition to social entrepreneurship was long-winded and unnecessary. The second part of the book addressed the challenges of causing change, but was just as dry as the first third. Most people remotely interested in the topic would be able to list the majority of the problems listed in the book off the top of their heads. The final third of the book was the only part which I found valuable. This section discussed ways in which social entrepreneurship can be instilled into our culture, and also made some interesting points about the effectiveness of organisations in the "industry". The final part of the book called 'Thoughts For Changemakers' offers some good advice for people who want to make a difference.
I took a few things away from the read, but for the most part, I had to push myself to keep reading. I'm sure that there is a more engaging book with the same information out there somewhere. I'd only recommend it to people who are entirely unfamiliar with the concept of social entrepreneurship.
This book was given to me by a friend, after I mentioned I was looking to start a business that's environmentally and socially conscious.
I found that the first third of the book, which gives a definition to social entrepreneurship was long-winded and unnecessary. The second part of the book addressed the challenges of causing change, but was just as dry as the first third. Most people remotely interested in the topic would be able to list the majority of the problems listed in the book off the top of their heads. The final third of the book was the only part which I found valuable. This section discussed ways in which social entrepreneurship can be instilled into our culture, and also made some interesting points about the effectiveness of organisations in the "industry". The final part of the book called 'Thoughts For Changemakers' offers some good advice for people who want to make a difference.
I took a few things away from the read, but for the most part, I had to push myself to keep reading. I'm sure that there is a more engaging book with the same information out there somewhere. I'd only recommend it to people who are entirely unfamiliar with the concept of social entrepreneurship.
May 21, 2024
This little book provides an overview of social entrepreneurship, but it will seem reasonably only if you’re not aware of non-US social entrepreneurship discourses. The neoliberal approach to social entrepreneurship typically focuses quite a bit on the individual, the hero that comes along and does something against all odds. Think American Dream. But social entrepreneurship isn’t necessarily that. In Europe, discourse around SE centers around the power of community and collaboration.
As a result, the book is not very critical of social entrepreneurship. It tries hard to sell SE and does it fairly well, but it doesn’t feel like an honest and fair analysis of the field, with all its pros and cons. For example, some argue that SE is merely a distraction, diverting resources from the public sector into the private sector where they are much more difficult to hold accountable.
All in all - fairly good and some interesting ideas, but lacks a critical approach.
As a result, the book is not very critical of social entrepreneurship. It tries hard to sell SE and does it fairly well, but it doesn’t feel like an honest and fair analysis of the field, with all its pros and cons. For example, some argue that SE is merely a distraction, diverting resources from the public sector into the private sector where they are much more difficult to hold accountable.
All in all - fairly good and some interesting ideas, but lacks a critical approach.
March 28, 2016
Social Entrepreneurship is an inspirational and hard-to-put-down book about what exactly social entrepreneurship is, and how it can be utilized for good. I love this book because it makes the idea of social entrepreneurship simple. It is not a complicated enterprise; rather, social entrepreneurship is a process that finds solutions to social problems, and makes life better for all. Bornstein writes this in his matter-of-fact way, putting the controversy over what exactly social entrepreneurship means to rest. He makes it clear that social entrepreneurship is a catalyst for good in the world, and can be and has been used to make life better for so many people. I would highly recommend this book to any and all entrepreneurs out there.
August 4, 2014
This was a great read, as I have an interest in social enterprises and really liked how the authors laid down how social entrepreneurs are doing some great work out there.
The authors didn't go in depth as to how to create a social enterprise, but they did give some really great ideas as to the kinds of things you can do to help get social enterprises off the ground and how to handle the challenges ahead.
On the whole, I would recommend this book for anyone who wants an introduction to the world of the social enterprise and social entrepreneurship.
The authors didn't go in depth as to how to create a social enterprise, but they did give some really great ideas as to the kinds of things you can do to help get social enterprises off the ground and how to handle the challenges ahead.
On the whole, I would recommend this book for anyone who wants an introduction to the world of the social enterprise and social entrepreneurship.
February 5, 2017
Great overview over the field of social entrepreneurship. The outline is very clear and explains the history and development of the continously growing field. It is easy to read and recommendable to anyone who wants to know how they can create a sustainable change in the world. It shows very well that social entrepreneurs come from all walks of life including doctors, lawyers, business people...it contains a lot of resources for those interested in engaging in the field be it studies, foundations, websites, etc.
March 2, 2013
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is thinking, or has thought about starting their own non-profit or social change organization. It discusses what social entrepreneurship is and its benefits and struggles in today's society.
It approaches social entrepreneurship as a process and also talks about interesting entrepreneurs who have been game changers on a global scale, i.e. Muhammad Yunus with the Grameen Bank.
Very interesting and a quick book that will make you think.
It approaches social entrepreneurship as a process and also talks about interesting entrepreneurs who have been game changers on a global scale, i.e. Muhammad Yunus with the Grameen Bank.
Very interesting and a quick book that will make you think.
January 30, 2016
A good follow-up to another of Bornstein's books: How To Change the World. Whereas that one was mostly about the rise of social entrepreneurship, and giving illustrative examples of organizations like Ashoka, this one focuses a bit more on finding ways to generalize the qualities that make these organizations work (though still showcasing many great examples). Recommended for anyone seeing inspiration for social justice and organizing for change.
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