World-Making, Major Philanthropy and the Big Society

This paper examines the concept of "world-making" within major philanthropy, focusing on the role of super-wealthy entrepreneurs in shaping society, particularly in the context of the "Big Society" initiative. It explores how these philanthropists leverage their various forms of capital—economic, cultural, social, and symbolic—to influence societal decision-making, resource allocation, and institutional change. The authors argue that while philanthropy can enhance the symbolic capital of donors, it also represents a significant resource for public good, especially in times of diminishing public funding. The study emphasizes the power dynamics inherent in large-scale giving.