Analytical Framework and Methodology

In this chapter, we set out an analytical framework to explore how social entrepreneurs (creative classes), influenced by social institutions, can lead social change and improve quality of urban life through starting up urban agriculture businesses. We consider that interactions between social entrepreneurs and urban residents in urban agriculture projects can affect their perceptions and behaviors to solve urban problems. In order to achieve our research aims, this study introduces mixed methods research (MMR), combining quantitative and qualitative analysis. Specifically, we use latent class analysis (LCA), cognitive map analysis, and structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine Shanghai residents’ sense of communities and willingness to participate in community gardens. Also, trajectory equifinality model (TEM) was introduced in this research as a qualitative analysis method to explore entrepreneurial journeys of social entrepreneurs and influencing factors on their behaviors. This helps us to reveal the mechanism and process of community reconstruction, thus providing new ideas for urban agriculture and sustainable development of cities.