Social Enterprises as Spaces of Wellbeing: A Spatial and Relational Exploration of Where and How Wellbeing Realises

This chapter explores how social enterprises can be assessed as ‘spaces of wellbeing’ by documenting the physical locations and associated work tasks that promote wellbeing. In the study reported here, we engage with relational thinking alongside spaces of wellbeing theory to provide a methodological and conceptual framework that enables the ‘disentangling’ of the interrelated effects that help wellbeing realise.

Using a qualitative mapping technique, we use findings from a mixed-methods study of three Australian social enterprises to highlight practical examples of spaces that helped individuals to realise wellbeing. Building on our analysis, we consider what this implies for the design of current and future social enterprises, particularly in terms of optimising the outcomes from these organisations as spaces of wellbeing. We then offer a typology of spaces that translates abstract ideas about ‘spaces of wellbeing’ into more concrete design considerations for social enterprises as locations and their work practices.
Drawing on the cutting edge of interdisciplinary research in the field, this book will be of interest to researchers, academics, policymakers, and students in the fields of entrepreneurship, public and social policy, community development, public health, human geography, and urban planning