«
5
Helpful
»
2
Unhelpful
in category Charities

What are some of the best critiques of institutional or corporate charities?

1 Answer
1 Answer
by
( 84.1k points):

Masters in Education from Nottingham University in the UK. Also studied Masters in Islamic Studies and Islamic Banking & Finance. Political activist with interests in Geopolitics, History and Phil ...
8 Helpful
1 Unhelpful

One of the best critiques addressing some of their systemic failings is that of the thinker and philosopher Slavoj Zizek. His core point is that charities do not seek to address the causes of povery, disease, ignorance etc focusing on the emotive effects. His RSA talk is summarised in the following video:



Professor Ilan Kapoor's "Celebrity Humanitarianism" is another excellent work which critiques spectacularized humanitarianism, images of stars doing relief work or posing with newly transnationally adopted children; "benevolent" corporate billionaires on redemptive missions in Africa; or iconic manoeuvres of semiotically savvy NGOs. His Zizekian analysis applies to humanitarianism in general whereby it legitimates and promotes liberal capitalism and perpetuates global inequity.


User Settings


What we provide!

Vote Content

Great answers start with great insights. Content becomes intriguing when it is voted up or down - ensuring the best answers are always at the top.

Multiple Perspectives

Questions are answered by people with a deep interest in the subject. People from around the world review questions, post answers and add comments.

An authoritative community

Be part of and influence the most important global discussion that is defining our generation and generations to come

Join Now !

Update chat message

Message

Delete chat message

Are you sure you want to delete this message?

...