Erica Bornstein

About the Author

Erica Bornstein is an anthropologist and author whose work delves into the intricate intersections of humanitarianism, ethics, and social justice in contemporary societies. With a focus on South Asia, she examines how aid and philanthropy shape human relationships and cultural practices, drawing from extensive fieldwork in urban India. Her research highlights the paradoxes of giving in postcolonial contexts, revealing the disquieting undercurrents of altruism and power dynamics. Bornstein's scholarship bridges anthropology and human rights studies, offering nuanced insights into global inequalities and the moral economies of assistance. She teaches at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where she continues to explore themes of reciprocity and social change through her writing and academic pursuits.