Foundations for Social Change: Critical Perspectives on Philanthropy and Popular Movements

This multi-disciplinary collection blends broad overviews and case studies as well as different theoretical perspectives in a critique of the relationship between United States philanthropic foundations and movements for social change. Scholars and practitioners examine how these foundations support and/or thwart popular social movements and address how philanthropic institutions can be more accountable and democratic in a sophisticated, provocative, and accessible manner.

Philanthropic foundations are playing an increasingly prominent role in advancing social causes, policy initiatives, social programs, and political movements dear to the heart of the elite funding class. Ten critical essays presented by Faber (sociology, Northeastern U.) and McCarthy (sociology, College of Charleston) analyze the way these foundations exert power in society and consider why they fail to effectively address America's social and environmental problems in spite of frequent proclamations that such is their goal. Overviews are provided of liberal and conservative foundations, and the activities of foundations in the realms of environmental justice, racial politics, and poverty are examined.
Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Philanthropic foundations are playing an increasingly prominent role in advancing social causes, policy initiatives, social programs, and political movements dear to the heart of the elite funding class. Ten critical essays presented by Faber (sociology, Northeastern U.) and McCarthy (sociology, College of Charleston) analyze the way these foundations exert power in society and consider why they fail to effectively address America's social and environmental problems in spite of frequent proclamations that such is their goal. Overviews are provided of liberal and conservative foundations, and the activities of foundations in the realms of environmental justice, racial politics, and poverty are examined. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)