Date of Award
Fall 11-21-2025
Document Type
Masters Thesis
Degree Name
M.A. in Economics
Organizational Unit
College of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences, Economics
First Advisor
Chiara Piovani
Second Advisor
Ilene Grabel
Third Advisor
Juan Carlos Goethe Lopez
Fourth Advisor
Yeohyub Yoon
Copyright Statement / License for Reuse
All Rights Reserved.
Keywords
Doughnut economics, Finance, Impact investing, Strong sustainability
Abstract
This thesis investigates how private investment could align doughnut economic framework. Doughnut economics is a strong sustainability economic framework where the economy operates within planetary boundaries while ensuring social equity. Theories of sustainable development, weak sustainability, and strong sustainability are discussed to provide theoretical context for doughnut economics and mainstream economics. The analysis concludes that conventional, profit maximizing private investment does not support a doughnut economics system by supporting the depletion of natural resources and exacerbating social issues. Sustainable mainstream investment also fails to support a doughnut framework. Lastly, while impact investment is theoretically committed to social and financial returns, empirical evidence is inadequate to confirm or deny its effectiveness at delivering said social and environmental returns.
Copyright Date
11-2025
Publication Statement
Copyright is held by the author. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.
Rights Holder
Isabelle Pierotti
Provenance
Received from ProQuest
File Format
application/pdf
Language
English (eng)
Extent
57 pgs
File Size
567 KB
Recommended Citation
Pierotti, Isabelle, "Doughnut Economics and Strong Sustainability: Rethinking the Role of Financial Investment" (2025). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 2683.
https://digitalcommons.du.edu/etd/2683
Included in
Environmental Studies Commons, Finance Commons, Social Justice Commons, Sustainability Commons