A key concept that I’ve learned in my program is that much
of the success of a social enterprise is tied to how well the concept works within the local context. This is one
reason why professionals in international development strongly encourage that
programs be led, or co-led, by locals.
Among many things, locals tend to know how to avoid the
typical pitfalls of previous projects and are attuned to community dynamics that
can make or break a venture. This is just one of the many reasons why it is so important
to have locals co-creating, in some capacity, whatever the social enterprise is
working on.
So far, I have engaged, and plan to further engage, Costa Ricans
in my project (this has been gradual as I wait for my Spanish to catch up with
my intensions ;). Working face-to-face with local people is by far one of the
most interesting and rewarding parts of this experience!!
However, another way of building my personal understanding
of the context here is by that old familiar beast... research. But it’s not as intensive
as it sounds. It’s actually kind of fun - I promise!
I get to play anthropologist (studying a specific community)
and sociologist (studying social behavior)…basically a detective! This means
that I’m constantly trying to absorb information about this community (of
Potrero and of Costa Rica) – the culture, economics, education, social
structure, lifestyle, health, and more. Painting a detailed picture of the
context here – where the social enterprise will operate and hopefully grow.
This information about the social enterprise’s context is so
important! For example, if bikinis are culturally unacceptable here (aka not
popular), a storeowner may not want to sell them in their shop.
However, a social entrepreneur has to be careful not to run
away with the picture they are painting and start to generalize and stereotype
everyone around them. It’s best if to double-check one’s notions with at least
a couple of people – “I noticed that
people don’t really think it’s ok to wear bikinis. Is that true?” … “Oh no, only
the older generation finds them immodest. Young people would wear them if they
were sold somewhere.”
So as I walk around Potrero, I’m constantly observing my
surroundings. Among many things, I’ve noticed:
- the boys play soccer from 5 pm until dark each day;
- many people here seem content (as my neighbor’s laughter carries through the night air into my backyard);
- and some skinny children pick up only the basic necessities at the supermarket.
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| Soccer in la plaza every day for boys from 5-6pm. Yes, its common for the plazas in small towns here to be a soccer field! |
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| It's common for multiple generations to live on the same property - currently three generations live on our property. This is an old house in the back that used to belong to our landlord's parents (which would make 4 generations). |
Aside from physical observations, I’m constantly jotting
down notes in meetings and after conversations about…who owns businesses, and
who is the character in town, and when the school will reopen for Spring.
And at home, I’m reading two books, two studies of Costa
Rica. Since I haven’t started the second, I’ll just give you the first for now.
Mavis Hiltunen Biesanz, Richard Biesanz, and Karen Zubris Biesanz. The
Ticos: Culture and Social Change in Costa Rica. Boulder, Colorado: Lynne
Rienner Publishers, Inc., 1999.
When I share their insights, I’ll be sure to cite them.
Although this one is a little dated, I think a book is by far the easiest and
quickest way to gain a summary about the culture, history, and way of life of a
place (if it’s available). This one’s full of quotes from interviews and focus
groups… Someone’s years of research at my fingertips J Thank you Mavis, Richard and
Karen!
What I really wanted to write about today were my insights
so far on Costa Rican leisure habits. But it’s best to understand this role of anthropology and sociology in my work beforehand. Why? Because it’s one of my
favorite parts of this project and because it’s so important to social
enterprise!!
What do you notice
when you start to open your eyes to the nuances and details of your town, city
or country? Do you also like to play anthropologist/sociologist?
