Chinese Philanthropy: Restricted Development and Embedded Innovation
Author
Burton, Patrick James
Term
4. term
Publication year
2015
Submitted on
2015-05-18
Pages
46
Abstract
Dette speciale undersøger, hvorfor filantropi i Kina ikke har fulgt landets hurtige økonomiske udvikling, og hvad der kan gøre den i stand til at indhente det forsømte. Filantropi forstås som en struktureret omfordeling af private ressourcer til offentligt gode, der bidrager til social forandring, og analyseres i sammenhæng med civilsamfundets udvikling. Med udgangspunkt i litteratur, sektortal og illustrative casestudier af kinesiske fonde og kampagner kortlægges nøglestrukturer (civilsamfundsorganisationer samt private og offentlige fonde) og barrierer og incitamenter vurderes, herunder beskatning, adgang og registrering samt internationalt engagement. Analysen peger på, at omfattende statslige restriktioner og regulering af civilsamfundet har begrænset filantropiens udvikling betydeligt. Samtidig udfolder enkeltpersoner og organisationer “indlejret” innovation inden for de eksisterende rammer—bl.a. i fonde som Narada og One Foundation og i initiativer som “Free Lunch”—som tilbyder brugbare erfaringer for resten af feltet. Specialet fremhæver, at stærkere forbindelser på tværs af sektoren og forbedret ansvarlighed og tillid, sammen med et mere muliggjørende politisk miljø, er centrale for at frigøre filantropiens potentiale i Kina.
This thesis examines why philanthropy in China has not kept pace with the country’s rapid economic development and what might enable it to catch up. Philanthropy is defined as the structured redistribution of private resources for public good that contributes to social change and is analyzed in relation to the evolution of civil society in China. Drawing on literature, sector data, and illustrative case studies of Chinese foundations and campaigns, the study maps key structures (civil society organizations and private/public foundations) and assesses barriers and incentives, including taxation, entry and registration, and international engagement. The analysis finds that extensive state restrictions and regulation of civil society have significantly constrained philanthropic development. At the same time, individuals and organizations pursue “embedded” innovation within existing rules—seen in foundations such as Narada and One Foundation and initiatives like the “Free Lunch” campaign—which offers practical lessons for the wider field. The thesis argues that stronger connectivity across the sector and improved accountability and trust, alongside a more enabling policy environment, are central to unlocking the potential of philanthropy in China.
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