Philanthropy and the challenge of social inclusion: The contemporary issues

This chapter explains how charity, resting essentially on a supplicant/benefactor dynamic, has given way to modern philanthropy. It begins by considering charity and its limitations as a response to contemporary social issues. In the context of contemporary developed western nations, the charitable approach is considered relative to that of human rights and social justice. In that context, the strengths, weaknesses and relevance of the gift relationship underpinning charity are also identified and assessed.