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The Impact of Neoliberalism on Civil Society and Nonprofit Advocacy

Author

Listed:
  • Alexander Jennifer

    (Public Administration, University of Texas at San Antonio, 501 W. Cesar E Chavez Blvd, San Antonio, TX, 78249-1644, USA)

  • Fernandez Kandyce

    (Public Administration, University of Texas at San Antonio, 501 W. Cesar E Chavez Blvd, San Antonio, TX, 78249-1644, USA)

Abstract

The following manuscript employs critical inquiry to analyze the effects of neoliberalism on nonprofits in the U.S. and their capacity to engage in political advocacy and the production of meaning, a pivotal role for civil society institutions. Three false narratives of how nonprofits support democracy are presented followed by a discussion of how neoliberalism and the economization of the sector has delimited their capacity to fulfill their roles of engaging in emancipatory projects or social change. The manuscript concludes with a discussion of how nonprofits can reclaim civic space and empower citizens in a representative democracy.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexander Jennifer & Fernandez Kandyce, 2021. "The Impact of Neoliberalism on Civil Society and Nonprofit Advocacy," Nonprofit Policy Forum, De Gruyter, vol. 12(2), pages 367-394, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bpj:nonpfo:v:12:y:2021:i:2:p:367-394:n:6
    DOI: 10.1515/npf-2020-0016
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gras, David & Mendoza-Abarca, Karla I., 2014. "Risky business? The survival implications of exploiting commercial opportunities by nonprofits," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 29(3), pages 392-404.
    2. Banks, Nicola & Hulme, David & Edwards, Michael, 2015. "NGOs, States, and Donors Revisited: Still Too Close for Comfort?," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 707-718.
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    Cited by:

    1. Tatjana Rakar & Zinka Kolarič, 2025. "Development of Civil Society Organizations—Caught Up in the Framework of Different Welfare Systems," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-16, March.

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