Just Giving: Why Philanthropy Is Failing Democracy and How It Can Do Better

Rob Reich

The troubling ethics and politics of philanthropy

Hardcover

Price:: $17.95/£14.99
ISBN:
Published:: May 5, 2020
Pages:: 258
Size:: 5.5 x 8.5 in.
Main_subject:: Philosophy

Paperback

Price:: $17.95/£14.99
ISBN:
Published:: May 5, 2020
Pages:: 258
Size:: 5.5 x 8.5 in.
Main_subject:: Philosophy

ebook

Price:: $17.95/£14.99
ISBN:
Published:: May 5, 2020
Pages:: 258
Size:: 5.5 x 8.5 in.
Main_subject:: Philosophy

Buy This

Is philanthropy, by its very nature, a threat to today’s democracy? Though we may laud wealthy individuals who give away their money for society’s benefit, Just Giving shows how such generosity not only isn’t the unassailable good we think it to be but might also undermine democratic values. Big philanthropy is often an exercise of power, the conversion of private assets into public influence. And it is a form of power that is largely unaccountable and lavishly tax-advantaged. Philanthropy currently fails democracy, but Rob Reich argues that it can be redeemed. Just Giving investigates the ethical and political dimensions of philanthropy and considers how giving might better support democratic values and promote justice.

How the giving habits of the super-rich affect the rest of us

Awards and Recognition

Inside Philanthropy's Philanthropy Critic of 2018
One of the LSE Marshall Institute's Books of 2019
A Choice Outstanding Academic Title of the Year

"Just Giving breaks ground in its outright challenge of philanthropy’s fit with democracy. Reich is at his best when demonstrating the ways in which philanthropy fails to fulfil its egalitarian promise."—Ian Anstee, Voluntary Sector Review

"Brilliantly argued. . . . Essential reading for anyone worried about money in politics."—Larissa MacFarquhar

"Reich judiciously weighs the philosophical pros and cons of tax-subsidised philanthropy."—Edward Luce, Financial Times

"[Reich] treats readers to rich insights from enlightenment philosophers onwards who have criticised the assumption that mega-giving from the mega-rich is something to celebrate."—Linsey McGoey, Times Higher Education

"An instant classic."—David Callahan, Inside Philanthropy

"Anyone engaged in serious philanthropy needs to wrestle with Reich’s analysis."—Larry Kramer, president of the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation

"An essential treatise on the role of philanthropy in our democracy. . . . Reich challenges us to wield the power of giving for justice."—Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation

"A welcome reflection on the public morality of the not-for-profit sector."—Glyn Davis, Inside Story