Exploring Elite Philanthropy

Vortrag im Rahmen der Veranstaltungsreihe "Perspektiven der Moderne" mit Mairi Maclean (University of Bath). Die diesjährige Reihe widmet sich dem Thema "Gesellschaftsgestalterinnen. Stiftungen, Gemeinwohl und sozialer Wandel". Der Vortrag findet auf Englisch statt.

In a world driven by high and rising inequalities of income and wealth, is elite philanthropy – voluntary giving at scale by wealthy individuals, couples and families – a key part of the solution or a major contributor to the problem? In this talk, based on own research and a critical reading of the literature, three related questions are asked and answered. How do elites engage in philanthropy? Why do elites engage in philanthropy? What are the consequences of elite philanthropy? The conclusion is that we remain far removed from the ideal of effective philanthropy: to spend where it is most needed, on things that are most needed, for people most in need.