How New is the New Philanthropy?
As the debate about wealth in British society continues, Professor Hugh Cunningham presents a history of philanthropic giving in Britain from the 18th to the 21st century.
Dame Stephanie Shirley was once worth £150m. Now, she's given so much of her wealth away in philanthropic gifts she is no longer on the Sunday Times Rich List and she's proud of the achievement.
The first person to be called a "philanthropist" was John Howard, the 18th-century penal reformer. But the last decade has seen a reinterpretation of the term, with the so-called New Philanthropy.
Hugh Cunningham speaks with historians as well as with a beneficiary of traditional philanthropy and with an advocate of the New Philanthropy.
And he asks why people gave in the past, why they give today and why more people don't give.
Presenter/Professor Hugh Cunningham, Producer/Beaty Rubens for the BBC
BBC Radio 4 Publicity
Ep 1/3
Monday 12 December
8.00-8.30pm
BBC RADIO 4
