Dennis R. Young, Elizabeth A.M. Searing, and Cassady Brewer (Ed.): The Social Enterprise Zoo: A Guide for Perplexed Scholars, Entrepreneurs, Philanthropists, Leaders, Investors, and Policymakers

Abstract

This book review presents i?½The Social Enterprise Zoo: A Guide for Perplexed Scholars, Entrepreneurs, Philanthropists, Leaders, Investors, and Policymakersi?½, edited by Dennis Young, Elizabeth Searing and Cassady Brewer and published by Edward Elgar in 2016. It does so by illustrating the strengths and vulnerabilities that can be spotted across the chapters of a book that will prove to be a foundational work in nonprofit and social innovation studies. Among its many achievements, two are most noteworthy: the proper and effective use of a biological analogy in a work of social science and, relatedly, a powerful and flexible framework for understanding the past, present, and future of social enterprises, that is, organizations attempting to blend social purpose and profit.