Dynamics of Social Networks of Urban Informal Entrepreneurs in an African Economy
BERROU, Jean-Philippe
Groupe de Recherche en Economie Théorique et Appliquée [GREThA]
Les Afriques dans le monde [LAM]
Sciences Po Bordeaux - Institut d'études politiques de Bordeaux [IEP Bordeaux]
Groupe de Recherche en Economie Théorique et Appliquée [GREThA]
Les Afriques dans le monde [LAM]
Sciences Po Bordeaux - Institut d'études politiques de Bordeaux [IEP Bordeaux]
BERROU, Jean-Philippe
Groupe de Recherche en Economie Théorique et Appliquée [GREThA]
Les Afriques dans le monde [LAM]
Sciences Po Bordeaux - Institut d'études politiques de Bordeaux [IEP Bordeaux]
< Reduce
Groupe de Recherche en Economie Théorique et Appliquée [GREThA]
Les Afriques dans le monde [LAM]
Sciences Po Bordeaux - Institut d'études politiques de Bordeaux [IEP Bordeaux]
Language
en
Article de revue
This item was published in
Review of Social Economy. 2018-01-09, vol. 76, n° 2, p. 167-197
Taylor & Francis (Routledge)
English Abstract
This paper carries out an analysis of the formation and transformation of social relations and networks of access to resources in the professional trajectory of micro-entrepreneurs operating in an urban informal African ...Read more >
This paper carries out an analysis of the formation and transformation of social relations and networks of access to resources in the professional trajectory of micro-entrepreneurs operating in an urban informal African economy. The analysis of social networks is rooted in Granovetter’s structural embeddedness framework combined with the dynamic and discursive conception of social relations of Harisson White (embeddedness and decoupling). Life stories of micro and small entrepreneurs in Bobo-Dioulasso (Burkina-Faso) are analyzed by mixing qualitative and quantitative methods. Results suggest that the construction of social networks and interpersonal relations of access to resources is a long-term process. A co-construction of social networks and economic activity is observed; it challenges the argument that social capital is a substitute for a lack of personal resources. The growth of small and micro activities is linked to the professionalization and stabilization of a social network, and even to the institutionalization of access to resources.Read less <
English Keywords
Embeddedness
Social Networks
Informal economy
Entrepreneurial stories
Mixed methods JEL Classification
Origin
Hal importedCollections