Economics a Powerful Determinant Rate Direction
Economics and entrepreneurship play significant roles in carrying out social change. The two are effective tools to change the economic fates of the unfortunates. Social change is defined as ‘the structural transformation of political, social and economic systems and institutions to create a more equitable and just society’ (fundforsouth). Social change organizations are described as an alliance of people working jointly for a cause sometimes challenging service providers, institutions and government agencies through activism. But it’s hard to implement change without the funds that are sometimes controlled by the chosen few such as in the case of World Bank and World Trade Organizations. On the other hand, there are entrepreneurs who are up to provide change through their humanitarian deeds, such as the entrepreneurs who are in the business not just for profit but for their advocacy.
These entrepreneurs’ main objective is to make the world a better place for everybody. This goal shapes how they determine their success and how they form their enterprise. ‘The best measure of success for such entrepreneurs is not how much they make but the extent to which they create social value’ (Dees et al. 2002). They are called as social entrepreneurs and they act as ‘change agents’ (Dees et al. 2002) of the society. They implement change by considering every problem an opportunity to make their vision work. Social entrepreneurs are skilled in doing more with less and do not settle for a quick remedy but adhere to find ways to create lasting improvements.
As a determinant of social change, social entrepreneurs look for probabilities to perk up society and they take action. ‘They attack the underlying causes of problems and their actions stimulate worldwide improvements in the fields of education, health care, job training and development, the environment, the arts and any other social endeavor’ (Dees et al. 2002)
One concrete action that is taken with economics and entrepreneurship to further change is the measure taken by Bill Strickland, Jr., founder of the Manchester Craftsman’s Guild. He has ‘implemented change in their community by helping at-risk youth achieve recognition in their study, production and display of art’ (. 2002). There is also one toothpaste manufacturer in Asia where he used his enterprise in extending change to the who are usually unemployed because of their handicap. He showed the world the potentials of the often by hiring them and giving job training and development to become self-reliant.
There is also a group of Dutch and who jointly developed a strategy and program to alleviate poverty. ‘The objective of this group is to contribute towards lasting change effects towards reduction of poverty, enclosure and the well-being of children and youth driven by people and their organization’ (together4change). The group invests in services and products ‘to stimulate people’s independent civic action towards economic and social equal positions in order to address issues of poverty, marginalization and human rights’ (together4 change).
Economics and entrepreneurships are basic vehicles to foster social change. Though everybody has his own potential, capabilities and the desire, financial help is still needed to break their own cycle of poverty. For the sustainability and force of social change, economic empowerment of families and individuals is essential and this could only be achieved through economics and entrepreneurships employed as tools.
References
Dees, J.G., Emerson, J, & Economy, P. (2002). Enhancing the performance of your enterprising non-profit. Social entrepreneurs. New York. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
FundforSouthernCommunities. (2011). Change not charity. What is social change. Retrieved 25
Jun 2011 from www.fundforsouth.org.
together4change. (2011). Outline proposal: Investment for social and economic change.
Retrieved 25 Jun 2011 from www.together4change.com.
Progressive social change is a profoundly democratic undertaking. At its best, people of different racial and ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, abilities and ages join together in developing and implementing creative solutions to social problems. Organizing amplifies the voices of those whose interests are too often overlooked.
Money alone does not bring about change; nor do individuals. But when people band together and form organizations to focus their collective power, social change can happen. When a large number of organizations work together toward a common goal, that’s a movement. Movements make change.
