Adopting a multidisciplinary approach, this book discusses the potential of social innovation in the pursuit of social justice in Africa. In the twenty-first century, social innovation and entrepreneurship has attracted renewed attention as a way of promoting social justice and addressing challenges of poverty and inequality.
Drawing on perspectives from human rights, economics, business, development studies and anthropology, the book illustrates the entangled relationship between societal areas and activities, as well as different actors (individuals, communities, business actors, non-governmental organisations, public authorities) in social innovation. It identifies various models of social innovation, ranging from grass-roots initiatives to public policy-making, and discusses their impact on socio-economic welfare. The book analyses a broad range of original research data and incorporates localised understandings of social innovation, highlighting both the empowering potential of social innovation, but also the possibility that it could sustain or create inequalities. The book deepens an understanding what makes social innovation ‘social’ and ‘just’.
Arguing that social justice innovation can only be understood through a contextual and cross-disciplinary approach, the book will be of interest for researchers and policy makers across the fields of human rights, economics, business, development studies, anthropology, and African studies.
Preface Introduction: Understanding Social Innovation in Africa Part I: Conceptualizing Social Justice Innovation Social Justice Innovation. A Cross-Disciplinary and Multilayered Agenda Contextualizing and Conceptualizing the Social Enterprise – The Cooperative as an Enabler of Social Justice in Sub-Saharan Africa Part II: Social Entrepreneurship From Coffins to Coins: Ethiopian ‘iddir’ Navigating the Frontier of Social Enterprise “Baron/Baroness” Food-Get-Together Celebrations and Mukando Village Contributions as Tools for Entrepreneurial Socialization and Innovation in Chikonye, Maheya and Murairwa Villages in Rural Zimbabwe Self-Organized Waste Pickers: Marginalized Yet Vital to the African City of Bamako Surviving on the Margins of Legality: Familial Ties, the Informal Economy and Re-Imagining Social Protection in Kenya Part III: Social Technologies Livelihood Outcomes of Social Innovations for Mobile Agricultural Extension Service Delivery in South-Central Uganda Enhancing Social Justice? Experimenting with Social Media in Preservice Teacher Education at Makerere University in Uganda Part IV: Societal Practices The Constitutional Court of South Africa as an Agent of Social Justice Community Perceptions of Social Justice in Benefit Distribution Mechanisms of Forestry Carbon Projects in Uganda Leveraging and Regulating Pension Funds for Socially Responsive Investments in the Namibian Economy Law, Clinics and Social Innovation in Africa: Addressing Justice Gaps
Viljam Engström is an acting professor of public international law at Åbo Akademi University, Finland. His main research interests are international institutions, social protection, and the function of law and legal concepts. Maija Mustaniemi-Laakso is a post-doctoral researcher at Åbo Akademi University School of Law/Institute for Human Rights, with research interest in issues related to vulnerability, accountability and international human rights law. Laura Stark is a professor of ethnology at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland. Research interests include gender, sexuality, and urban poverty in Africa and she has led five externally funded, multi-researcher projects.
Reviews for Social Justice Innovation in Africa
"""Social Justice Innovation in Africa is an essential exploration of social innovation's role in addressing global inequalities exposed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Authored by scholars and practitioners, the book offers a multidisciplinary lens, dissecting the complex interplay of human rights, economics, and development. A unique blend of literature analysis and empirical research, it delves into diverse innovation approaches, from grassroots initiatives to technological advancements. This comprehensive work not only unveils the entangled relationships within African societies but also provides invaluable insights applicable worldwide. A must-read for anyone passionate about fostering just and impactful social change."" Professor Jill Kickul, Lloyd Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, Marshall School of Business, University of Southern California ""Social Justice Innovation in Africa is a timely exploration of the vital role social innovation plays in addressing global inequalities. Authored by African scholars and practitioners, this multidisciplinary work offers a contextual and comprehensive understanding of diverse social innovation approaches, making it an indispensable resource for anyone seeking insights into the multifaceted pursuit of social justice."" Patricia Kameri-Mbote, Director, Law Division, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)"
