Abstract (Translated):
This research aimed to analyze the influence of social cohesion on artisanal entrepreneurship in communities in the Central Valleys of Oaxaca, to understand the social elements that drive local development. A quantitative, non-experimental approach was adopted, with a descriptive and exploratory scope. Data collection was conducted through a questionnaire administered to 216 artisans from five Oaxacan communities with a strong tradition of artisanal production, and data analysis was carried out using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Due to the operationalization of a higher level of abstraction of the constructs, this study employed an integrated two-stage approach. The results confirmed a positive and significant relationship between social cohesion and artisanal entrepreneurship (ß=0.709, p<0.001, R²=0.502, Q²=0.495). Factors such as inclusion, mutual support, and a sense of identity are highlighted as catalysts for cultural heritage, social well-being, values, and tradition. However, in constructing the variable "craft entrepreneurship," the value creation dimension was excluded, underscoring the need for an in-depth analysis of its conceptualization, the interfering cultural and contextual factors, and the artisans' knowledge and worldview. It is concluded that social cohesion fosters a symbiosis between tradition and innovation in the craft sector, promoting its sustainability and community well-being through a redefinition of the concept of value, one that is more oriented toward social and cultural aspects than traditional business economic criteria.
