Can Finance be a Force for Good?
Taught by Conan Magee
Conan Magee has been working in socially minded investing since 2005, analyzing companies’ environmental and social performance for investors and consulting to a variety of enterprises using market forces for social good.
With roots in the boycotts of the American revolution and civil rights movement, socially responsible investment seeks to change business practices through shareholder influence. But what is its impact? Who or what determines whether a company is ethical? How can not-super-rich people get involved? And how is this different from “impact investing” or the fossil fuel divestment movement?
This class will be part history lesson, part behind-the-scenes glimpse at how companies get classified as ethical or sustainable, and part introduction to the options available to retail investors (i.e. normal people). And we might be legally obligated to say: this class does not constitute investment advice. But if you’re curious to explore the history, practice, and players at the intersection of social activism and finance, this class is for you.