FK Prochaska. Women and Philanthropy in Nineteenth-Century England. New York: Clarendon Press of Oxford University Press. 1980. Pp. ix, 301. Cloth …

This entry is a review of F.K. Prochaska’s book "Women and Philanthropy in Nineteenth-Century England." The book itself explores the significant, yet often overlooked, contributions of women to philanthropic endeavors in England during the 19th century. It details their roles in charitable organizations, social reform movements, and community welfare, shedding light on how women navigated societal constraints to effect social change through their giving and activism. The review likely assesses the book’s arguments, research, and contribution to the historical understanding of women’s philanthropy.

Philanthropy and social science in the 1920s: Beardsley Ruml and the Laura Spelman Rockefeller Memorial, 1922–29

This article explores the significant role of philanthropy, particularly the Laura Spelman Rockefeller Memorial under Beardsley Ruml, in shaping the development of social science in the 1920s. It examines how the Memorial’s funding priorities influenced research agendas, institutional structures, and the emergence of various social science disciplines. The authors discuss the strategic approach taken by Ruml to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and data-driven research, highlighting the long-term impact of this philanthropic endeavor on the scientific study of society and its indirect contributions to subsequent policy initiatives like the New Deal.

Patrician philanthropy in America: The late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries

This study examines the philanthropic practices of American patricians during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Drawing on archival sources, it elucidates how genealogical status and elite social networks influenced charitable missions, institutional giving, and civic engagement. The research sheds light on the role of elite control in shaping emerging philanthropic norms and highlights the enduring questions of legitimacy and accountability within American foundation philanthropy.

Big philanthropy and the funding of black organizations

This article explores the relationship between "big philanthropy" and its support for Black organizations, addressing the challenges and benefits of funding marginalized groups. It critiques how large philanthropic organizations have historically interacted with Black organizations and examines their impact on social equity and race issues.

The Chicago tradition and social change: Thomas, Park and their successors

This article examines the foundational contributions of Chicago School sociologists, particularly W.I. Thomas and Robert Park, to the study of social change. It traces how their theories influenced subsequent research on urbanization, race, and community structures. The piece highlights their pioneering work in understanding urban dynamics and social disorganization, and how these concepts continue to resonate in contemporary sociological analysis. It underscores the enduring legacy of the Chicago School in shaping our understanding of societal transformations and the intricate relationships within urban environments.

American philanthropy and African education: Toward an analysis

This article analyzes the role of American philanthropic foundations, specifically the Carnegie Corporation of New York, in shaping the evolution of education in former British Africa. It argues that foundation officials’ biases often influence funding decisions, leading to the concentration of resources in specific areas or projects. The author attempts to uncover the criteria behind these decisions, highlighting the significant yet often overlooked role of American foundations as institution builders and implementers of foreign policy in Africa. The analysis contributes to understanding the historical impact of external funding on African educational development.

Social change: explorations, diagnoses, and conjectures

This paper surveys foundational theories and contexts of social change, identifying patterns of modernization, cultural transition, and power redistribution. It stresses the necessity for reflexive social science frameworks and anticipatory governance to effectively navigate global change processes. Despite its age, the work remains a significant reference point in social analysis and policy design, offering timeless insights into the dynamics of societal evolution and the role of social science in understanding and guiding it.

Commission on Private Philanthropy and Public Needs

This early article explores how philanthropic foundations influence public policy formation. It examines the tensions between private wealth and democratic accountability, raising concerns about undemocratic influence and ideological agendas. The article also defends philanthropy's experimental value in policy innovation, suggesting that foundations can act as test-beds for reforms. However, it cautions against unchecked power and urges mechanisms for transparency and public dialogue to ensure legitimacy in shaping public interest.

Philanthropy, policy planning, and the bureaucratization of the democratic ideal

Karl critiques large philanthropic institutions for promoting top-down policy models that risk bureaucratizing democracy. He warns that elite planning can undermine grassroots civic participation and reshape the democratic ethos toward technocratic control. The article raises crucial questions about the influence of private foundations on public policy and democratic processes, suggesting that while well-intentioned, their centralized approach can inadvertently sideline broader public engagement. It advocates for greater scrutiny of philanthropic power and its potential implications for democratic ideals, urging a balance between expert-driven initiatives and participatory governance.

Philanthropy and the black economic condition

Joseph examines how philanthropy and the tax-exempt status of wealthy donors intersect with Black economic progress. He argues that existing philanthropic incentives under current tax policy often disproportionately benefit affluent donors while doing little to address systemic economic disparities faced by Black communities. The article calls for reforms in giving incentives to better align with economic justice goals, promoting equitable outcomes for marginalized groups.
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