THE ROLE OF SOCIAL CAPITAL IN SUPPORTING WOMEN MICRO-ENTREPRENEURS: A CONCEPTUAL PERSPECTIVE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35631/AIJBES.829026Keywords:
Bonding Social Capital, Bridging Social Capital, Linking Social Capital, Social Capital, Women Micro-EntrepreneursAbstract
Women micro-entrepreneurs face challenges in obtaining financial resources, business information, and formal support. Social relationships can help them obtain resources and support that may not be easily available through formal channels. This paper examines how social capital supports women micro-entrepreneurs by focusing on three dimensions: bonding, bridging, and linking social capital. Based on existing literature, the paper discusses the different forms of support available through these social relationships. Bonding social capital provides emotional, financial, and operational support through family members, relatives, and close friends. Bridging social capital connects women micro-entrepreneurs with wider networks that provide information, knowledge, and business opportunities. Linking social capital connects them with formal institutions and support agencies that offer financing, training, advice, and other business support. The paper shows that these three dimensions provide different but complementary forms of support for women micro-entrepreneurs. It also discusses how family, business, and social circumstances may affect the way women develop and use these relationships. The paper offers practical suggestions for organisations and agencies that support women micro-entrepreneurs.
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