Power, youth, and temporality: capitalising on the symbolic in resourcing social entrepreneurship

Abstract

Purpose Using elements of Bourdieu’s (1986) capitals framework as an underpinning conceptual architecture, this paper theorises the role of symbolic capital in resourcing a specific example of socially entrepreneurial behaviour. Design/methodology/approach This paper relies on data collected via a qualitative variant of the critical incident technique. Findings The analysis resulted in three focal themes: power (a dynamic of cooperation rather than domination), age (youth as a means of legitimation) and temporality (as both lever and conduit). Research limitations/implications These themes further current understanding of socially entrepreneurial behaviour and potentially catalyse additional questioning and investigation specific to the construct of symbolic capital in this context. Practical implications The insights offered in the paper may assist those tasked with supporting success (policymakers and practitioners) in the social entrepreneurship domain. Originality/value Relatively little is known about the operationalisation of capitals in the context of social entrepreneurship, and even less about symbolic capital specifically. Particular emphasis is given to moving beyond a focus on the simple mechanics of capital exchange and conversion.