Social entrepreneurship and services for marginalized groups
Ethnicity and Inequalities in Health and Social Care
ISSN: 1757-0980
Article publication date: 12 March 2014
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the usefulness of the social entrepreneurship (SE) framework in highlighting effective models of service development and practice in mental health equity.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a rigorous SE search process and a multiple case study design, core themes underlying the effectiveness of five services in Toronto, Canada for transgender, Aboriginal, immigrant, refugee, and homeless populations were determined.
Findings
It was found that the SE construct is highly applicable in the context of services addressing mental health inequities. In the analysis five core themes emerged that characterized the development of these organizations: the personal investment of leaders within a social justice framework; a very active period of clarifying values and mission, engaging partners, and establishing structure; applying a highly innovative approach; maintaining focus, keeping current, and exceeding expectations; and acting more as a service working from within a community than a service for a community.
Practical implications
These findings may have utility as a guide for individuals early in their trajectories of SE in the area of mental health equity and as a tool that can be used by decision maker “champions” to better identify and support SE endeavours.
Originality/value
In a context characterized by increasing attention given to models of SE in health equity, this study is the first to directly examine applicability to mental health equity.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This study was supported by a grant from the Population Health Improvement Research Network of Canada. Appreciation is also extended to Ashoka Canada.
Citation
Kidd, S. and McKenzie, K. (2014), "Social entrepreneurship and services for marginalized groups", Ethnicity and Inequalities in Health and Social Care, Vol. 7 No. 1, pp. 3-13. https://doi.org/10.1108/EIHSC-03-2013-0004
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2014, Emerald Group Publishing Limited