FOCUS
Matthew is interested in making social change processes more equitable. How do differing systems and practices of philanthropy, welfare, and service delivery alter social change efforts? How do new models and tools for achieving social outcomes transform the means and modes of intervention? Matthew’s research examines how emerging social change mechanisms reconfigure organizations, engage with diverse communities, and alter power dynamics to affect the capacity building and social change process. By tracking these processes as they move from high-level sector leaders to local communities and organizations, he explores how new models and tools are serving marginalized groups. This research promotes the quality of connections and coordination between marginalized groups, community-based organizations, funders, and policymakers. It also supports investments in new forms of partnership that show evidence for building equitable community capacity.
MORE ABOUT MATTHEW
Matthew’s interests have developed through his social work practice in the nonprofit and government sectors. He has observed how well-intentioned social change efforts often perpetuate hierarchies of oppression. He seeks to research and cultivate service and health systems that build the capacity of marginalized communities to transform society.
DISSERTATION GRANT AWARDEE — JUNE 2021
Disentangling Punishment and Care: Organizing Institutional Change in Municipal Community Safety
As a result of ongoing police violence, municipalities have taken the unprecedented policy step to defund police and transfer community safety resources and responsibilities to social services. To explore this transformation and disentangling of punishment and care logics in community safety, this research project asks: How do local social service organizations mediate the municipal reorganization of community safety? This project will provide insight into how new institutional arrangements are fostered by social service organizations situated in fields that dismantle existing arrangements.
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