Synopses & Reviews
This study shows how philanthropic foundations and their leaders help shape the American political agenda. The authors' central argument is that foundation leaders are members of a key social and political elite in American society. Relying on a survey of such leaders and on an examination of foundation public policy grants, the authors demonstrate that members of the foundation elite are among the most polarized groups in American society.
This study shows how philanthropic foundations and their leaders help shape the American political agenda. The authors' central argument is that foundation leaders are members of a key social and political elite in American society. Relying on a survey of such leaders and on an examination of foundation public policy grants, the authors demonstrate that members of the foundation elite are among the most polarized groups in American society.
Contrary to popular belief, those who control foundations seek to make American more progressive. Public policy oriented foundations are largely liberal in outlook and make grants primarily to liberal individuals and organizations. The authors examine the dilemmas that the existence of such organizations create for democratic political theory. The discussion is placed in the context of a historical overview of the role of foundations in American society; it will be of great interest to public policy professionals, political scientists, and those who track the direction of the national agenda.
Synopsis
An important contribution to the literature on foundations and public policy, this volume shows that despite the prominence of a few conservative foundations, a significant number of foundations attempt to push the national agenda in a liberal direction.
Synopsis
This study shows how philanthropic foundations and their leaders help shape the American political agenda. The authors' central argument is that foundation leaders are members of a key social and political elite in American society. Relying on a survey of such leaders and on an examination of foundation public policy grants, the authors demonstrate that members of the foundation elite are among the most polarized groups in American society.
Synopsis
This study shows how philanthropic foundations and their leaders help shape the American political agenda. The authors'central argument is that foundation leaders are members of a key social and political elite in American society. Relying on a survey of such leaders and on an examination of foundation public policy grants, the authors demonstrate that members of the foundation elite are among the most polarized groups in American society.
This study shows how philanthropic foundations and their leaders help shape the American political agenda. The authors'central argument is that foundation leaders are members of a key social and political elite in American society. Relying on a survey of such leaders and on an examination of foundation public policy grants, the authors demonstrate that members of the foundation elite are among the most polarized groups in American society.
Contrary to popular belief, those who control foundations seek to make American more progressive. Public policy oriented foundations are largely liberal in outlook and make grants primarily to liberal individuals and organizations. The authors examine the dilemmas that the existence of such organizations create for democratic political theory. The discussion is placed in the context of a historical overview of the role of foundations in American society; it will be of great interest to public policy professionals, political scientists, and those who track the direction of the national agenda.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. [203]-212) and index.
About the Author
ALTHEA K. NAGAI is Senior Research Associate at the Center for Study of Social and Political Change at Smith College.ROBERT LERNER is Assistant Director at the Center for Study of Social and Political Change at Smith College.STANLEY ROTHMAN is Director of the Center for the Study of Social and Political Change at Smith College.
Table of Contents
Tables and Figures
Preface
Introduction
Philanthropy and Social Change: A Historical Overview
Foundation Leaders and Their Place in the American Social Structure
Other Views: Pluralism versus the Adversary Culture
Ideological Divisions within the Foundation Elite
The Impact of Ideology
Foundations, Professionalism, and the Organizational Dilemma
Foundations and Their Public Policy Grants
Polarization, Pluralism, and the Problem of Social Order
Appendix 1: Survey Methodology
Appendix 2: Samples of American Elites
Appendix 3: Questions and Their Factor Loadings on Each Factor Measuring Political Ideology among American Elites
Appendix 4: The Cover Letter and "Social Leadership in America: A Survey"
References
Index