In the evolving landscape of economic participation and inclusivity, recent studies have begun to underscore the indispensable role of social capital in fostering self-employment opportunities among persons living with disabilities. In an eye-opening article published in the International Review of Economics, Kaliisa, Kyambade, Birungi, and their colleagues explore the intricate connections between social networks, trust, and entrepreneurial endeavors within this often-overlooked demographic. Their rigorous analysis elucidates how social capital acts as a foundational pillar empowering individuals with disabilities to overcome systemic barriers and achieve economic self-sufficiency.
At its core, social capital encompasses the resources embedded within an individual’s social networks—such as relationships, norms, and mutual trust—that facilitate collective action and access to opportunities. For persons with disabilities, social capital is not merely an abstract social asset but a critical economic catalyst. The study reveals that social capital significantly influences access to information, financial resources, mentorship, and emotional support, which collectively bolster the confidence and capacity required for successful self-employment ventures.
Disability, by its very nature, often entails physical, communicative, or sensory limitations that can marginalize individuals from mainstream economic activities. However, the interplay between social capital and self-employment transcends these limitations. The research highlights that vibrant social networks provide not only material assistance but also foster resilience and innovation, which are crucial for navigating markets typically inhospitable to marginalized populations. These networks are instrumental in reducing the transaction costs and informational asymmetries that frequently deter entrepreneurial initiatives among persons living with disabilities.
The article’s empirical approach employs both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to unravel the nuances of social capital within disability-driven entrepreneurship. By surveying a representative sample and conducting in-depth interviews, the authors unveil patterns suggesting that bonding social capital—close relationships such as family and close friends—plays a pivotal role during the nascent phases of business formation. Conversely, bridging social capital—connections to broader, more diverse social groups—is vital for scaling operations and accessing novel market opportunities.
One of the study’s profound contributions is its exploration of social capital’s multidimensionality, moving beyond the simplistic notion that any social connection inherently confers economic advantage. Instead, it delineates how the quality, diversity, and reciprocity embedded within social relations substantially modulate entrepreneurial outcomes. The researchers argue that social capital’s effectiveness in spurring self-employment is contingent upon the establishment of trust and a culture of reciprocity, which can often be fragile or unevenly distributed within disability communities.
Furthermore, the research addresses the systemic challenges posed by societal attitudes and institutional frameworks. Persons with disabilities frequently confront stigma, discrimination, and exclusion, which erode the potential benefits of social capital. The article illuminates how reinforcing positive social norms and inclusive policies can exponentially increase the efficacy of social capital as an economic resource. For instance, community-based organizations and support groups serve as vital intermediaries, bridging gaps between isolated individuals and broader economic networks.
Technological advancements have also reshaped the social capital landscape for persons with disabilities, as highlighted in the study. Digital platforms, social media, and mobile technologies facilitate new forms of social connectivity and resource sharing. The authors note that these tools potentially mitigate some traditional barriers to networking, enabling entrepreneurs with disabilities to engage with customers, peers, and mentors in unprecedented ways. However, the digital divide remains a significant hurdle, and ensuring equitable access to technology is imperative for these benefits to materialize fully.
A particularly compelling insight from the research is the resilience embedded in social capital structures among persons living with disabilities. Faced with adversity, these networks often adapt and strengthen, providing an indispensable support system that undergirds entrepreneurial perseverance. This resilience is not incidental but cultivated through repeated social interactions and shared experiences that foster mutual understanding and collective problem-solving.
The study also nuances the role of cultural context in shaping social capital dynamics. In certain sociocultural milieus, communal values and extended kinship networks constitute formidable social capital reservoirs that can be strategically mobilized for entrepreneurship. However, in other contexts where individualism prevails, the formation and utility of social capital may require different mechanisms and incentives. Recognizing these variations is crucial for designing effective interventions tailored to diverse disability groups.
Importantly, the article calls for an integrated policy approach that aligns economic empowerment strategies with social capital enhancement. Rather than viewing economic programs and social inclusion initiatives as isolated efforts, they should be synergized to amplify outcomes for self-employed persons with disabilities. This includes fostering inclusive education, accessible infrastructure, financial inclusion, and legal protections, all embedded within a framework that nurtures social capital development.
Moreover, the research spotlights the untapped potential of leveraging social capital for innovation within disability-led enterprises. Social networks can serve as crucibles for co-creation, enabling entrepreneurs to collaboratively develop products and services that better meet the needs of marginalized consumers. This perspective shifts the discourse from merely overcoming disability-related constraints to recognizing the distinctive value proposition that disability entrepreneurs bring to markets through socially embedded innovation.
From a technical standpoint, the methodology underpinning this research exemplifies methodological rigor, combining econometric models with ethnographic narratives to capture both the measurable impacts and lived experiences of social capital. By triangulating multiple data sources, the authors provide a robust evidentiary base that substantiates their claims while embracing the complexity of social phenomena influencing self-employment.
The implications of this research extend beyond academic discourse, offering actionable insights for practitioners, policymakers, and civil society advocates. Prioritizing social capital development can accelerate the economic inclusion of persons with disabilities, fostering sustainable livelihoods and greater societal equity. For instance, initiatives that facilitate networking events, peer mentorship, and community mobilization are not peripheral but central to entrepreneurial success.
In conclusion, Kaliisa and colleagues’ work profoundly enriches our understanding of how social capital operates as a cornerstone of self-employment for persons living with disabilities. It challenges conventional paradigms by emphasizing relational wealth as much as financial capital and underscores the necessity of a holistic approach to economic empowerment. As societies worldwide strive to create inclusive economies, embracing the transformative potential of social capital will be key to unlocking the full entrepreneurial capabilities of persons with disabilities.
Collectively, this research serves as a clarion call to reimagine disability not merely as a challenge but as a locus for innovative entrepreneurship fueled by the potent force of social capital. Future research trajectories should continue to explore how digital transformations, policy ecosystems, and cultural contexts interact with social capital to enhance economic opportunities. By centering social relationships and networks, we open new horizons for equitable participation and shared prosperity in the twenty-first century.
Subject of Research: Social capital and its role in self-employment among persons living with disabilities.
Article Title: Social capital as a cornerstone for self-employment of persons living with disability.
Article References:
Kaliisa, G., Kyambade, M., Birungi, F. et al. Social capital as a cornerstone for self-employment of persons living with disability. Int Rev Econ 72, 32 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12232-025-00510-0
Image Credits: AI Generated
