The main purpose of the paper is to elaborate the cognitive frameworks using which social entrepreneurs (i.e., social bricoleurs, social constructionists and social engineers) identify meaningful patterns leading to their identification of divergent opportunities. Individuals develop cognitive frameworks (prototypes) via experiences which enable them to recognize patterns leading to opportunity recognition. This study will propose how different types of social entrepreneurs use their distinctive cognitive frameworks to identify and recognize patterns relevant to their respective goals. Future directions for research and practical implications for entrepreneurs are provided.