Rob Reich
About Rob Reich
Speaking videos
Books by Rob Reich
“System Error: Where Big Tech Went Wrong and How We Can Reboot” (2021)
System Error: Where Big Tech Went Wrong and How We Can Reboot
“Digital Technology and Democratic Theory” (2021)
Digital Technology and Democratic Theory
“Just Giving: Why Philanthropy Is Failing Democracy and How It Can Do Better” (2018)
The troubling ethics and politics of philanthropyIs philanthropy, by its very nature, a threat to today’s democracy? Though we may laud wealthy individuals who give away their money for society’s benefit, Just Giving shows how such generosity not only isn’t the unassailable good we think it to be but might also undermine democratic values and set back aspirations of justice. Big philanthropy is often an exercise of power, the conversion of private assets into public influence. And it is a form of power that is largely unaccountable, often perpetual, and lavishly tax-advantaged. The affluent―and their foundations―reap vast benefits even as they influence policy without accountability. And small philanthropy, or ordinary charitable giving, can be problematic as well. Charity, it turns out, does surprisingly little to provide for those in need and sometimes worsens inequality.These outcomes are shaped by the policies that define and structure philanthropy. When, how much, and to whom people give is influenced by laws governing everything from the creation of foundations and nonprofits to generous tax exemptions for donations of money and property. Rob Reich asks: What attitude and what policies should democracies have concerning individuals who give money away for public purposes? Philanthropy currently fails democracy in many ways, but Reich argues that it can be redeemed. Differentiating between individual philanthropy and private foundations, the aims of mass giving should be the decentralization of power in the production of public goods, such as the arts, education, and science. For foundations, the goal should be what Reich terms “discovery,” or long-time-horizon innovations that enhance democratic experimentalism. Philanthropy, when properly structured, can play a crucial role in supporting a strong liberal democracy.Just Giving investigates the ethical and political dimensions of philanthropy and considers how giving might better support democratic values and promote justice.
“Philanthropy In Democratic Societies: History, Institutions, Values” (2016)
Introduction : Philanthropy In Democratic Societies / Rob Reich, Lucy Bernholz, And Chiara Cordelli -- Altruism And The Origins Of Nonprofit Philanthropy / Jonathan Levy -- Why Is The History Of Philanthropy Not A Part Of American History? / Olivier Zunz -- On The Role Of Foundations In Democracies / Rob Reich -- Contributory Or Disruptive : Do New Forms Of Philanthropy Erode Democracy? / Aaron Horvath And Walter W. Powell -- Reconciling Corporate Social Responsibility And Profitability : Guidelines For The Conscientious Manager / Paul Brest -- When Is Philanthropy? : How The Tax Code's Answer To This Question Has Given Rise To The Growth Of Donor-advised Funds And Why It's A Problem / Ray D. Madoff -- Creating Digital Civil Society : The Digital Public Library Of America / Lucy Bernholz -- The Free-provider Problem : Private Provision Of Public Responsibilities / Eric Beerbohm -- Philanthropy And Democratic Ideals / Ryan Pevnick -- Reparative Justice And The Moral Limits Of Discretionary Philanthropy / Chiara Cordelli. Edited By Rob Reich, Chiara Cordelli, And Lucy Bernholz. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.
“Bridging Liberalism and Multiculturalism in American Education” (2002)
What should the civic purposes of education be in a liberal and diverse society? Is there a tension between cultivating citizenship and respecting social diversity? What are the boundaries of parental and state authority over education? Linking political theory with educational history and policy, Rob Reich offers provocative new answers to these questions. He develops a liberal theory of multicultural education in which the leading goal is the cultivation of individual autonomy in children. Reich draws out the policy implications of his theory through one of the first sustained considerations of homeschooling in American education. He also evaluates three of the most prominent trends in contemporary school reform - vouchers, charter schools, and the small school movement - and provides pedagogical recommendations that challenge the reigning wisdom of many multicultural educators. Bridging Liberalism and Multiculturalism in American Education will be of interest to political theorists, philosophers, educators, educational policymakers, and teachers.
At a glanceRob Reich
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