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Elites and inequality: a case study of plutocratic philanthropy in the UK

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  • Glucksberg, Luna
  • Russell-Prywata, Louise

Abstract

This paper investigates the role of elite philanthropy in the context of rising global inequality, asking whether large-scale philanthropic donations by elites are well placed to help tackle structural inequality. The challenges posed by such “plutocratic philanthropy” are explored through analysis of a network of the top 30 philanthropists in the United Kingdom and their connections to businesses and foundations, which shows their financial scale and connectivity. This new data is embedded into a review of the most recent social science literature on elites, which focuses on elite reproduction, how wealthy families perceive inequality, and how and why they engage in philanthropic activities. From this data, the paper develops an analysis of the current landscape of inequality, based on the work of British sociologist Mike Savage (2015), arguing that elite philanthropy as an ecosystem— made up of capital, people and institutions—is not well placed to systemically challenge inequalities, because the financial size of elites’ philanthropy tends to be dwarfed by their business activities, and the social functions of philanthropy help maintain the advantaged positions of elites. The paper concludes with informed policy considerations on the role of elite philanthropy in light of the results of the analysis.

Suggested Citation

  • Glucksberg, Luna & Russell-Prywata, Louise, 2020. "Elites and inequality: a case study of plutocratic philanthropy in the UK," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 106162, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:106162
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    File URL: http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/106162/
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Christoph Lakner & Branko Milanovic, 2016. "Global Income Distribution: From the Fall of the Berlin Wall to the Great Recession," The World Bank Economic Review, World Bank, vol. 30(2), pages 203-232.
    2. Atkinson, Anthony B., 2015. "Inequality: what can be done?," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 101810, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    3. Zucman, Gabriel & Fagan, Teresa Lavender & Piketty, Thomas, 2015. "The Hidden Wealth of Nations," University of Chicago Press Economics Books, University of Chicago Press, number 9780226245423, Febrero.
    4. Nai H. Lamb & Philip Roundy, 2016. "The “ties that bind” board interlocks research: a systematic review," Management Research Review, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 39(11), pages 1516-1542, November.
    5. Glucksberg, Luna & Burrows, Roger, 2016. "Family offices and the contemporary infrastructures of dynastic wealth," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 75899, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
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    Cited by:

    1. Sklair, Jessica & Glucksberg, Luna, 2021. "Philanthrocapitalism as wealth management strategy: philanthropy, inheritance and succession planning among the global elite," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 106155, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    elite reproduction; foundations; network analysis; sustainable development; tax;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J1 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics

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