ABSTRACT
This part introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters. The part deals with the concept of anomie that refers to alienation and confusion that people experience during periods of significant social and economic change. It aims to develop universal perspective by discussing strain theory: a subdiscipline of sociology typically used in criminology that models how social tensions can trigger deviant behavior. After juxtaposing Joseph Schumpeter’s humanistic and emotional model with the rational and universal perspectives of neoclassical economics, strategies aimed at blending the rival perspectives led to a discussion of the work of Mark Casson. Homeostasis theory further expands strain theory by emphasizing the side effects of transcending the status quo. By viewing entrepreneurship using the lens of strain theory and homeostasis theory devoid of its criminological and dysfunctional implications, a useful model for dealing with such innovative responses emerges.
