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

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.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Social Work

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2016

Author dc:creator

• Leon Arizmendi, Mirta Paola

Contributors dc:contributor

• Anderson, Steven G.
• Haight, Wendy
• Zhan, Min
• Summerfield, Gale

• social entrepreneurship
• gender

Statement dc:rights

• © 2016 Mirta Paola Leon Arizmendi

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

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

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/92710