Patterns of Inclusion: Social Enterprises Targeting Different Vulnerable Social Groups in Hungary

Abstract

Social enterprises (SEs) have often been regarded as a solution for improving the situations of vulnerable social groups such as women, the Roma and people with disabilities. However, how SEs in practice foster inclusion remains under-researched in Hungary and internationally as well. This paper examines the objectives, activities and operations of and barriers to SEs targeting vulnerable social groups. According to the findings, the initiatives aimed at achieving inclusion focus on providing missing services, building the community and work integration, targeting both the vulnerable groups themselves and the majority society. However, external barriers make the operations of many SEs minimal and unsustainable.