Foundations and the Charisma of Giving. A Historical Sociology of Philanthropy in Germany and the United States

Adloff F (2015)


Publication Language: English

Publication Type: Journal article, Original article

Publication year: 2015

Journal

Publisher: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers

Book Volume: 26

Journal Issue: 5

DOI: 10.1007/s11266-014-9508-4

Abstract

Looking at foundations in the United States and in Germany from around 1800 to the present from a historical-sociological perspective, the article focuses on the social significance of foundations over the course of time—which social relationships and exchanges they promote, which guiding principles they institutionalize, how they accrue charisma, how they relate to the public good, and which social groups use these instruments to which ends. In both societies, foundations embody the principle of charismatically charged exclusivity. Foundations try to harmonize individual objectives with an idea of the common good that is considered sacrosanct. Large sums of money dedicated to the common good possess a charisma, making them rather immune to criticism and causing them to be perceived positively. In this sense, they occupy a central position within both societies and contribute to their stratification.

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How to cite

APA:

Adloff, F. (2015). Foundations and the Charisma of Giving. A Historical Sociology of Philanthropy in Germany and the United States. Voluntas, 26(5). https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11266-014-9508-4

MLA:

Adloff, Frank. "Foundations and the Charisma of Giving. A Historical Sociology of Philanthropy in Germany and the United States." Voluntas 26.5 (2015).

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