Weaving in public spaces: Peruvian indigenous women in social entrepreneurship ventures

Leon Arizmendi, Mirta Paola

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/92710 Copy

Description

Title

Weaving in public spaces: Peruvian indigenous women in social entrepreneurship ventures

Author(s)

Leon Arizmendi, Mirta Paola

Issue Date

2016-06-06

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Anderson, Steven G.

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

Anderson, Steven G.

Committee Member(s)

• Haight, Wendy
• Zhan, Min
• Summerfield, Gale

Department of Study

School of Social Work

Discipline

Social Work

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

• social entrepreneurship
• gender

Abstract

The purpose of this multi-case study was to examine and describe the experiences of two groups of indigenous women weavers that participate in two craft-related social entrepreneurship projects in the Southern Peruvian highlands. In particular, the perceptions of the participants with regards to the impact the ventures have had in their lives were explored. Using a qualitative multi-case study methodology, the study explored three dimensions of the women's lives: their individual life, their family life and their community life. To add depth to the study and gain a better understanding of how women's possible shifts in their gendered roles may affect their community roles and the community at large, the perspectives of community leaders and other community members were sought out as well. The findings suggest that differences in project implementation and entrepreneurial motivation have led to differences in the level of personal satisfaction the women derive from their respective weaving associations. Findings also suggest that social entrepreneurship projects have a potential to increase human capability and start disadvantaged populations on a path of personal empowerment. In addition, findings suggest that cultural context and social inequities present in that context need to be understood and addressed to achieve long-term sustainability. The study has implications for social development projects. Understanding the importance of implementation processes, including program monitoring and evaluation, as well as a readiness to respond to unintended project consequences is emphasized.

Graduation Semester

2016-08

Type of Resource

text

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/92710

Copyright and License Information

© 2016 Mirta Paola Leon Arizmendi

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