What are some of the criticisms that have been made of philanthropy, particularly when it is done by highly wealthy people? Please select all that apply.

Question

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There are undoubtedly many positive features of philanthropy. It can give people the opportunity to contribute back to their society and support projects and causes that might not otherwise get funded. However, the capitalist system, particularly that which encourages the possibility of a few people generating large amounts of wealth, some of which then can be redistributed back through philanthropy, can be criticized as it gives very rich people (such as Bill Gates) very large amounts of power and influence to change society in the ways they want. This is seen by some as being less democratic than if the money was collected and distributed through taxation, as through philanthropy it is only the projects that the giver considers as important that get funded. There is another issue where often the philanthropist separates out people into the 'deserving poor' and 'undeserving poor', thus moralizing in the process.

What Are Some of the Criticisms That Have Been Made