Faculty

Dr. Friedline is an associate professor at the University of Michigan School of Social Work, faculty director within the Center on Assets, Education, and Inclusion, and research fellow at New America in Washington, DC. She conducts research to envision, redefine, and move financial and economic justice—particularly for and with individuals and groups traditionally excluded from and marginalized by the financial system. Access to the financial system is increasingly required for full and dignified participation in today’s economy. Basic financial products like checking and savings accounts are essential for conducting a wide range of transactions, including securing affordable credit, obtaining auto insurance, paying bills and utilities, applying for a mortgage, and paying for college. Therefore, individuals and communities that are unable to access and use basic financial products pay higher costs to participate in the economy. Friedline has studied access to the financial system through a basic bank or savings account as a gateway into the economic world, an alternative to debt for achieving economic goals, and an opportunity for acquiring and accumulating wealth. Her most recent research, Mapping Financial Opportunity, investigates the financial system from a macro or structural perspective and the racialized ways that banks, credit unions, and payday lenders invest in communities. Before entering academia, she worked for several years as a clinical social worker in the juvenile justice system. She can be followed on Twitter @TerriFriedline.

Ph.D. and M.S.W. University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work