From Our Perspective
The Economics of Social Inclusion
Current debate in the social enterprise sector is revolving around whether the ‘community building’ approach to social inclusion is encouraging social enterprises in Australia to concentrate on a narrow band of social ventures which focus primarily on the social welfare of their participants, rather than the economic empowerment of their participants. The debate is attempting to link the policy issues arising from Julia Gillard's speech on social inclusion to what can be delivered by for-profit, community-owned or employee-owned social enterprises. Alan Greig analyses the social inclusion agenda being developed by the Australian Government and suggests that those involved in social enterprise development in Australia may need to focus on broadening ‘ownership and participation’ as an important new means for building social capital. MORE...