Reassessing philanthropic cartographies: the Caribbean lens

ABSTRACT

The definition of philanthropy is contested with variations across time and global context. The article will centre on the Caribbean with its numerous identities to highlight inclusive philanthropic practices. Through an analysis of Caribbean history, theoretical foundations, and contemporary analysis, three social classes or ideal types are identified. These include 1) the colonial dominant, 2) the Black or creole middle class and 3) the resisters or grassroots/marginalized populations. Drawing on these ideal types, the analyzes three categories of philanthropic practice developing within and through the Caribbean, including 1) the philanthropy of colonial dominance, 2) philanthropy of cultural mediation and 3) philanthropy of anticolonial resistance. The Caribbean offers an ideal context for understanding traditional forms of philanthropic action and 'philanthropy from below,' highlighting issues of power, oppression, and social transformation that impact the region's ongoing development.

KEYWORDS:

• Caribbean
• philanthropy
• culture
• ideal types
• civil society

Acknowledgments

I wish to express my deep gratitude to the editors and anonymous reviewers for their very thoughtful feedback. Additionally, I want to acknowledge Dr John H. Stanfield III, who many years ago, planted the rich seed for this article and provided tremendous insight and conceptual clarity on the early drafts.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the American Council of Learned Societies under the Leading Edge Fellowship.