Philanthropy and the politics of social policy

Buğra analyzes philanthropy's influence on social policy agendas, focusing on developing-country contexts. She contends that philanthropic funding shapes policy areas—such as education, health, and agriculture—while reflecting donors' priorities and governance preferences, raising questions about accountability, legitimacy, and policy autonomy. The chapter highlights how private funding can steer public policy, sometimes bypassing democratic processes and national priorities. It encourages critical examination of the power dynamics inherent in philanthropic interventions, particularly in nations striving for self-determined development. This analysis is crucial for understanding the complex interplay between private giving and public governance.