Karsten Schüler, Kevin George (2025) Bridging Generations, Combating Isolation: How Social Entrepreneurs Mobilize Motivation, Capability, and Opportunity in the Netherlands. Master thesis, Sustainable Entrepreneurship (SE).
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Abstract
Social isolation among older adults represents a growing challenge in the Netherlands' aging society. This study investigates how social entrepreneurs integrate intergenerational programmes to combat social isolation, employing the Motivation-Capability-Opportunity (MCO) framework to analyze organizational practices. Through semi-structured interviews with eight Dutch social entrepreneurs, this qualitative research reveals that successful intergenerational programming emerges primarily through inclusive design rather than explicit age-mixing interventions. Five core organizational practices were identified: (1) Inclusive Access Architecture, (2) Resourceful Sustainability Practices, (3) Relational Capability Development, (4) Contextual Responsiveness, and (5) Emergent Intergenerationality; where meaningful cross-generational connections arise organically from shared activities. The analysis extends MCO theory for social entrepreneurs by revealing collective motivational dynamics, informal capability development embedded in relationships, and systematic opportunity creation rather than recognition. Effective intergenerational programming occurs when diverse age groups naturally converge around shared interests in welcoming environments, challenging structured age-mixing approaches. Social entrepreneurs navigate fragmented welfare systems through adaptive resource management and trust-based governance that enables organic intergenerational connections while maintaining sustainability.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
|---|---|
| Name supervisor: | Folmer, E.C. |
| Date Deposited: | 16 Jul 2025 08:13 |
| Last Modified: | 16 Jul 2025 08:13 |
| URI: | https://campus-fryslan.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/703 |
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