In a unique departure from the usual stereotypes, Susan Ostrander gained access to this elite community and interviewed the women in one U.S. region to study their roles, activities, and self-images. Among her conclusions, Ostrander shows that although these women are economically and socially powerful, they are for the most part, unliberated, being subservient to their husbands and to their duty to bear and raise children.

In the series "Women in the Political Economy," edited by Ronnie J. Steinberg.

Charitable foundations are being called upon to operate in more open and democratic ways and to involve a more diverse constituency. This unprecedented study details the inner workings of a democratically organized philanthropy, where funding decisions are made by community activists. Susan A. Ostrander spent two years doing intensive field research at Haymarket People's Fund - a small foundation in Boston. Based on a philosophy of raising and giving away money called "Change, Not Charity", the Fund makes grants to local grassroots social change organizations. The world of social movement...