“DETERMINANTS OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AMONG DALIT AND TRIBAL COMMUNITIES: A SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP PERSPECTIVE”

Abstract

The current paper explores the importance of social entrepreneurs and what contribution social entrepreneurship makes towards inclusive socio-economic growth of the Cuddalore region of Tamil Nadu, observing Dalit and tribal entrepreneurs particularly. These groups and historically disadvantaged groups because of the systemic exclusion and caste-based marginalization are emerging as grass roots changemakers in enterprise led initiative. The research is of a mixed-methods nature; the study considers the opinions of 100 social entrepreneurs who were chosen in a purposive approach. These factors present motivations of such entrepreneurial ventures, socio-cultural issues affecting enterprising people as well as overall meanings of their work and their contributions in developing communities. The results reveal that Dalit and tribal entrepreneurs are majorly involved in education, skill development, agriculture, and healthcare industries as they play a fundamental role in uplifting the socio-economic statuses of their communities. Difficult as they are to access capital, institutional support and market linkages, such entrepreneurs are very resilient and innovative. The study describes the significance of inclusive policy frameworks, particular financial mechanisms and capacity building programs to help the marginalized social entrepreneurs.