Finance, Social Economics and Community Development

This paper explores the relationship between finance, social economics, and community development, particularly in the context of social enterprises in the United Kingdom. It argues that while social enterprises have been instrumental in welfare delivery, their reliance on social finance can create a tension between achieving financial returns and maintaining community interests. The authors contend that understanding how social finance is utilised, politically domesticated, and contributes to redistributive outcomes is crucial for counter-hegemonic strategies. The paper emphasizes the need to navigate the complexities of marketization while preserving the social mission of community groups.