The social enterprise as a space of well-being: an exploratory case study

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an Australian case study and to explore how social enterprises may be conceptualised as spaces of well-being, that is the ways in which social enterprises, not explicitly delivering health services, may be producing health and well-being benefits for those who come into contact with them.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study in Australia is used to explore in depth the mechanisms of well-being production. Data were collected using ethnographic observation, focus groups and walking interviews. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, GIS and the lens of therapeutic assemblage.

Findings

The case study social enterprise produces well-being as integration, capability, security and therapy. The social enterprise acts as a therapeutic assemblage with well-being “spoken”, “practiced” and “felt” within the social enterprise. The ways in which well-being is generated are often linked to the productive element of enterprise – and have the potential to contribute to tackling several contemporary health challenges and inequalities relating to, for example, a lack of physical activity and levels of social isolation.

Research limitations/implications

This paper draws on a single Australian case study but points to the need for further in-depth work in the area of social enterprise and health.

Originality/value

The paper advances our understanding of how social enterprises may be linked to health and well-being. It goes beyond quantification of, for example, number of clients helped, to consider the wider experience of well-being for those who come into contact with social enterprises.

Citation

Munoz, S.-A., Farmer, J., Winterton, R. and Barraket, J. (2015), "The social enterprise as a space of well-being: an exploratory case study", Social Enterprise Journal, Vol. 11 No. 3, pp. 281-302. https://doi.org/10.1108/SEJ-11-2014-0041