Social Entrepreneurship as a Pathway to Sustainable Social Development: A Conceptual Synthesis and Social Work Perspective on Community-Led Interventions

Abstract

Social entrepreneurship has emerged as a transformative model for addressing persistent social problems such as poverty, unemployment, housing insecurity, and social exclusion. However, its integration into professional social work practice remains underrepresented in both the academic literature and field education. This paper explores the intersection of social entrepreneurship and social development through a social work lens, arguing that entrepreneurial principles, when grounded in ethical, participatory, and empowerment-based frameworks, can enhance sustainable community-led change. Drawing on a systematic review of 54 interdisciplinary sources, the paper proposes a conceptual model: the Social Work–Social Entrepreneurship (SWSE) Integration Framework. Key findings indicate that social work’s core values of social justice, self-determination, and respect for human relationships complement entrepreneurial strategies such as innovation, resource leveraging, and financial sustainability. Nevertheless, significant challenges persist, including role conflict, mission drift, inadequate preservice training, and tensions between market logic and care ethics. The paper concludes with actionable recommendations for social work education, policy, and practice, ultimately positioning social entrepreneurship as a legitimate and valuable method within macro social work. Future research directions and limitations are also discussed.