Rockefeller philanthropy and modern social science - Number 4

Making extensive use of untapped archival resources, Seim looks at the impact of the Rockefellers, as viewed through the lens of their philanthropic support of social science between 1890 and 1930.

Focusing specifically on the work of two institutions – the Rockefeller Foundation and the Laura Spelman Rockefeller Memorial – Seim connects the family's business success with its philanthropic enterprises.In contrast to previous research into Rockefeller philanthropies, Seim argues that John D Rockefeller and his son donated great sums of money neither from an ulterior desire to change the direction of research, nor from a wholly charitable stance, but instead because of their desire to explore the role of profitable business within the parameters of government and society.