The Rise and Fall of Philanthropy in East Africa

The Asian Contribution
1. Auflage 2014
ISBN: 978-1-4128-5385-9
Verlag: Routledge

Buch, Englisch, 262 Seiten, Format (B × H): 152 mm x 229 mm, Gewicht: 385 g

Reihe: Rise and Fall of Philanthropy in East Africa

Robert G. Gregory challenges the apparent assumption that non-Western peoples lack a significant indigenous philanthropic culture. Focusing on the large South Asian community in East Africa, he relates how, over a century, they built a philanthropic culture of great magnitude, and how it finally collapsed under the ascendency of increasing state regulation and policies directed against non-African communities.

Compelled by poverty to seek better oppurtunities overseas, most Asians arrived in East Africa as peasant farmers. Denied access to productive land and sensing economic opportunity, they turned to business. Despite severe forms of racial discrimination in the colonial society, they suffered few restrictions on their business enterprises and some became very wealthy. Gregory's historical analysis shows philanthropy as an important contribution, one that stemmed from deep roots in Hindu, Muslim, and Buddhist culture. The sense of nonracial social responsibility cultivated social, medical, and educational facilities designed for all.

This age of philanthropy terminated with the Asian exodus. The socialist and racial policies adopted by East African governments over the past few decades have virtually destroyed the foundation necessary for philanthropy as well as the distinct Asian cultural identity. Gregory's account of the East Asian's role in philanthropy deserves great attention and sober reflection.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Schwartz, Howard

Gregory, Robert G.

Fachgebiete

• Sozialwissenschaften Soziologie | Soziale Arbeit Soziologie Allgemein
• Sozialwissenschaften Soziologie | Soziale Arbeit Soziale Arbeit/Sozialpädagogik Community Care, Bildung, Freizeit, Freiwilligenarbeit

Inhaltsverzeichnis

PrefaceIntroduction 1. The Settlement in East Africa 2. Asian Charitable Organizations and the Leading Benefactors 3. Deployment of Earnings and Savings 4. Creation of Religious, Social, Medical, and Library Facilities 5. Provision of Schools 6. Establishment of Gandhi Memorial 7. From Royal Technical College to University of Nairobi 8. Literature and the Arts 9. Contributions to Non-Asian Peoples 10. ConclusionBibliographyIndex

Über Autor(innen)

Howard Schwartz