Beyond Homogeneity: Redefining Social Entrepreneurship in Authoritarian Contexts

Abstract

This article focuses on how social entrepreneurship and its role in civil society can be understood in the context of authoritarian regimes in developing countries. Through the case study of Jordan, the article demonstrates that there are two types of social enterprises, distinguished by their objectives and functions: structural transformation-based social enterprises and product- and service-oriented social enterprises. Their ability to be self-sustainable, community-responsive organizations is evaluated in the context of the country’s political landscape. The research findings apply to the study of social enterprises across the Middle East and in other developing regions.