The Paradox of Nonprofit Discrimination: Dynamics of exclusion and inclusion in third sector organizations

Session Submission Type: Roundtable Discussion

Abstract

This roundtable examines the paradox of nonprofit discrimination to argue that third sector organizations inherently discriminate against certain groups of people to enable the inclusion of others. We provide an overview of how government and business fail to meet the needs of all populations, leading to the essential role of the third sector in discriminating against some groups to serve other groups.

Reflecting on various demographic scenarios (e.g., age, gender, and religion) and industries (e.g., healthcare, recreation, arts), we illustrate how nonprofits can discriminate based on both individual and sectoral differences. In so doing, we show the intersectional and pervasive nature of discrimination within the sector. This roundtable discusses discrimination within the context of third sector organizations and explores the inclusion-exclusion dichotomy as both a hindering and driving force in the sector.

Presenters include:
A. Stefanie Ruiz will discuss how nonprofits serve those overlooked or underserved by government and business.

Isabel de Bruin Cardoso will discuss the rationale behind third sector discrimination.

Philine van Overbeeke will discuss how macro, meso, and micro forces shape exclusionary practices.

Divya Sethi and Lucas Meijs will discuss different examples of how third sector organizations discriminate across industries and countries.

References

Solebello, N., Tschirhart, M., & Leiter, J. (2016). The paradox of inclusion and exclusion in membership associations. Human Relations, 69(2), 439-460. https://doi.org/10.1177/0018726715590166

Sub Unit

• Uni/multidisciplinary Third Sector theory

Discussants

• Philine van Overbeeke, Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam

• Divya Sethi, Erasmus University Rotterdam

• Lucas Meijs, Erasmus University Rotterdam

• Anne Stefanie Ruiz Sportmann, Clemson University

• Isabel de Bruin Cardoso