There is a broad consensus that traditional philanthropy has the potential to be transformative and address inequalities and injustices, as well as provide relief to the poor. Over the last two decades individual capitalists and private corporations have become increasingly involved in philanthropy, often through foundations targeted at helping to reduce social problems associated with poverty, disease and food insecurity. This important book questions the political and ideological reasons behind rich individuals and large companies choosing to engage in poverty reduction through philanthropy. The question of concern is not whether new philanthropy is good or bad, but what motivates this form of giving and whether the sources of new philanthropy funding are legitimate. The book argues that this new philanthropy risks being a sticking plaster without long-term results, because it fails to tackle social injustice or the structural reasons for inequality.

It will be of value to academics, upper-level undergraduates and postgraduates in politics, sociology, economics and development studies.

"Accessible, well-informed critical research in a field that is attracting growing interest. " Andrew Sayer, University of Lancaster

Behrooz Morvaridi is a senior lecturer in development studies at Bradford Centre for International Development, University of Bradford, UK. He is the author of Social Justice and Development.

Introduction ~ Behrooz Morvaridi;

Part One: New philanthropy and social transformation

Philanthropy and its critics: a history ~ Hugh Cunningham;

From love to money: can philanthropy ever foster social transformation? ~ Michael Edwards;

Does economic theory lead to a cynical view of philanthropy? ~ Samuel Cameron;

From philanthropy to philanthropists ~ Tom Parr;

Part Two: Philanthrocapitalism and the process of commodification

Philanthrocapitalism, biodiversity conservation and development ~ George Holmes;

Philanthrocapitalism, ʻpro poorʼ agricultural biotechnology and development ~ Sally Brooks;

Part Three: Philanthropy and social protection

Philanthropy and the new politics of social policy ~ Ayşe Buğra;

Charity, philanthropy and development in Colombo, Sri Lanka ~ Filippo Osella, Roderick Stirrat and Tom Widger