Mobilizing space to realize the transformative potential of work integration social enterprises through a politics of scale and scope

Abstract

WISEs encompass a multitude of relations that both fall within – but also exceed – neoliberal capitalist relations. They are often spaces of mutual aid, collectivity and care, and these enterprises can – under limited circumstances – give rise to more-than-capitalist relations. In this paper, we examine the types of organizational and spatial structure that can best support the flourishing of non-capitalist relations, arguing that social enterprises that are part of a collective and networked space are more likely to realize the economies of scale and scope necessary to enhance their transformative possibilities. A case study of one non-profit organization in Toronto, Canada is used to support this argument.