Farmworker Justice, Faith, and Governance: A Critical Realist Analysis of one FBO’s Participatory Initiative

Abstract

Faith-based organizations (FBOs) are often integral to supporting immigrant populations in the United States. However, there is little research critically examining the way power functions in these entities. This study begins to address this gap by applying Fraser’s (2009) tripartite theory of redistribution, recognition, and representation and a Critical Realist ontological and epistemological framework to examine the power differences between an FBO and the farmworkers it serves. We analyze five months of ethnographic data to demonstrate how the effects of causal mechanisms associated with recognition (social status, nationalism, and racism), redistribution (class, neoliberalism, precarity, and dependency), and representation (immigration status and a concentration on “empowerment”) reinforce power imbalances. These results support our argument that organizations that work with farmworker populations must address power both at the interpersonal and structural levels to effectively address these imbalances. We conclude with recommendations for organizational professionals and critical scholars who engage questions of power and participation within nonprofit, faith-based, and food systems organizations.

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This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

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Notes on contributors

Anna Erwin

Anna Erwin is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Human Dimensions Lab in Purdue University’s Department of Forestry and Natural Resources. In 2017, Anna earned her Ph.D. from Virginia Tech’s School of Public and International Affairs. Her research employs community-based research methodologies and critical theory to investigate civil society and environmental justice in both domestic and international contexts. She is the author of journal articles, book chapters, and commentary on these topics.

Max Stephenson

Max Stephenson, Jr. serves as a Professor of Public and International Affairs and the Director of the Institute for Policy and Governance at Virginia Tech. His current research and teaching interests include leadership and democratic theory, arts and community change processes, NGOs and international development, peacebuilding and humanitarian relief. He is the author or editor of several books and more than 60 refereed articles and book chapters.