Social Entrepreneurship as “Acts of Solidarity” in Disasters

This chapter conceives social entrepreneurship as acts of solidarity to unpack new patterns of social interaction and novel outcomes that ensue from lowering of societal barriers and inclusive participation immediately following a disaster. As members of the affected community unite against a common threat, we see different types of social enterprises born out of cooperation across social or religious divisions, attenuation of preexisting power differentials, and relaxation of traditional class barriers. Social enterprises as acts of solidarity function to meet critical and noncritical needs, increase persistence of authentic cohesion, promote community resilience, and help cope with disaster-induced stress.