Gendered pathways to social value: gender as a moderator between social capital and social entrepreneurial performance in post-revolutionary Tunisia

This study examines how gender moderates the relationship between social capital mobilisation and social entrepreneurial performance in 18 social enterprises across three Tunisian regions. Using comparative case analysis and Gioia methodology, it investigates bonding, bridging, and linking capital throughout the opportunity recognition process. Findings identify three mechanisms: unequal access to linking capital, women’s compensatory bonding strategies, and phase-dependent institutional gender friction. The study advances gendered social capital theory and feminist institutionalism by demonstrating that gender’s influence varies across entrepreneurial phases. Practically, it recommends phase-specific support interventions. Findings remain context-bound, reflecting Tunisia’s transitional environment and 2018–2019 data.