Graduation Date
Spring 2020
Document Type
Thesis
Program
Master of Arts degree with a major in Sociology
Committee Chair Name
Michihiro Clark Sugata
Committee Chair Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Second Committee Member Name
Christina Martinek
Second Committee Member Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Keywords
Community development financial institutions, Neoliberalism, Community development
Subject Categories
Sociology
Abstract
This thesis explores Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) business models by examining the organizational structures, procedural operations, services, and geography. It aims to understand its overall behavior as a financial institution providing low-income communities financial services and ultimately the role it plays within the neoliberal context. The research identifies that CDFIs ultimately hold a mission that promotes economic prosperity from within the neoliberal project by expanding free-market capitalist beliefs and practices when servicing low-income communities. Additionally, the findings suggest that CDFIs take on the role of the neoliberal state by operating in tandem with the Nonprofit Industrial Complex (NPIC), which fundamentally supports the promotion of economic and business expansion. The research is based on content analysis of 11 California CDFI organizations websites, and one in depth analysis of a Humboldt County CDFI organization that examines the organizational structure, operations and services offered. In addition, the research explores the local communities CDFIs serve based on geospatial analysis of 95 California CDFI organization locations and a Humboldt County, California CDFI loan site. This research identifies that although CDFIs appear to be servicing communities of moderate income levels, they are committed to providing community development through the neoliberal tools of business and urban expansion.
Citation Style
ASA
Recommended Citation
Wynand, Tracie Victoria, "Community development financial institutions (CDFIs): an analysis within the political and economic context of neoliberalism" (2020). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 358.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/358
Included in
Behavioral Economics Commons, Civic and Community Engagement Commons, Community-Based Research Commons, Income Distribution Commons, Other Sociology Commons, Political Economy Commons, Rural Sociology Commons, Work, Economy and Organizations Commons