1112: Empowering Change: Innovations and Insights in Social and Emancipatory Entrepreneurship Research (18805)

This Panel Symposium aims to explore the complex interplay of privilege and marginalization at societal and individual levels in the entrepreneurial landscape. Our focus encompasses adapting to evolving societal norms and expectations, as well as fostering equitable transitions in the face of various disruptions. Such disruptions may arise from shifts in social values and beliefs, the emergence of digital platforms, advancements in media technology, and instances of social unrest. The panel brings together entrepreneurship scholars to discuss issues and challenges related to research at the intersection of social and emancipatory entrepreneurship, just transitions, intersectionality and racialized and marginalized communities. Its objective is to shift attention away from an exclusive focus on economic wealth creation to frame a more dynamic understanding of social and emancipatory entrepreneurship as a catalyst for social change with multiple possible outcomes, such as poverty alleviation, the elimination of oppression, and/or decolonization, etc. A significant aim is (i) to encourage research that transcends traditional diversity categories, fostering deeper insights into intersectionality and its impact on entrepreneurship, especially in marginalized and racialized communities, and (ii) explore the unique motivations behind venture creation in context of social and emancipatory entrepreneurship, particularly those ventures aimed at societal change and facilitating just transitions.