Abstract

Today’s society, marked by a prolonged economic crisis, feels at all levels the “chain” effects of deprivation. In fighting this crisis, certain groups vulnerable to physical, economic and moral violence are analyzed, the solving of this problem being one of the goals of the society, directed towards achieving the collective welfare. The socially disadvantaged classes are among the first facing the high risk of vulnerability to crisis, whereas social business development in this context could be one of the solutions for meeting specific needs. In this article we will focus on the problems faced by certain socially disadvantaged groups, on the methods of social rehabilitation, employability and economic integration, but also on a framework that allows the development of new businesses to meet community needs. Social rehabilitation of vulnerable groups through social economy activities may involve, directly or indirectly, the promotion of collective action by means of social services development, of the local support for specific development policies and of the implementation of public-private partnerships. Consequently, we emphasize the role of social responsibility and, therefore, the necessity of promoting social economy as a relevant factor not only in the integration of vulnerable groups in the local development by generating jobs, but also in terms of life quality, fight against violence and sustainment of social cohesion.