Although the notion of islands contains a strong association or undertone of isolation and closure, islands are never closed environments. None the less, Islands are susceptible to exogenous factors and often exposed to development processes that can lead to inequality and inequity in society and space. Global change and the ongoing progression of globalization and processes of deregulation may deepen regional disparities and thus increase or position areas in a state of marginalization. Furthermore, on islands, while size itself matters in economic terms, topography and geographic location relative to major economic centers can also position them in a state of marginalization.
Over recent decades, some islands have experienced improvements in terms of their infrastructure, transportation and communication systems. Yet they still struggle with certain aspects such as the cost for daily operation of services, and the overall aspects of development and decision making processes that affect their day to day livelihoods. This research revealed a series of day to day challenges that people on remote islands face. A social enterprise (SE) is a distinctive form of entity that is rapidly gaining recognition from policy makers worldwide. The SEs are seen as unique entities that are changing relationships among those engaged in the market place, civil society and public institutions. They are able to do this through the pursuit of goals that go beyond mere profit acquisition. V
This study compares SEs located on islands in the Penobscot Bay, off the coast of Maine on the United States’ eastern sea board, and the Islands of Chiloé, off the southwest coast of Chile. This study of SEs offers an opportunity to understand people’s experiences with SEs and whether, how, and under what circumstances SEs affect the lives of those experiencing marginalization. Furthermore, it explores the effect on the level of inclusion of individuals within island society and their communities and how SEs aid their members in improving their quality of life