In
Progressive Inequality: Rich and Poor in New York, 1890–1920 by David Huyssen explores the complicated relationship between philanthropists and workers at the turn of the century. This is the period of the Progressive Era, traditionally told as the curbing of capitalist excess by reformers. Huyssen exposes the patriarchical relationship between the reformist elite and poor laborers. To quote from its
Harvard University Press page:
Gabriel Winant in
The Jacobin draws direct parallels between the philanthropists of the early twentieth century discussed by Huyssen and today's wealthy liberals. To quote him at length:
What does the Atlas think about Winant's argument? Do the liberals who mock poor Republicans for "voting against their interests," yet engage in gentrification and embark on voluntourist adventures to Africa have a leg to stand on?
