Wealthism describes a set of attitudes directed at the wealthy by the nonwealthy. "Wealthism includes those actions or attitudes that dehumanize or objectify wealthy people, simply because they are wealthy. The main attitudes of wealthism are envy, awe, and resentment. . . . Wealthism differs from the other 'isms' in that racism and sexism are perpetrated by those who have power, whereas wealthism is directed at those who have power."

- Joanie Bronfman, The Experience of Inherited Wealth: A Social-Psychological Perspective

About Us

The Inheritance Project explores the emotional and social impact of inherited wealth. The project's mission is fourfold:

To enhance our culture's understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that inherited wealth brings

To help heirs break the isolation and overcome the taboos surrounding wealth

To show heirs how other inheritors have claimed their personal power and used it to benefit others

To provide networking and educational resources to heirs and professional advisors who work with them

Given the increasing number of men and women who are creating and passing on large estates, it is now more important than ever to examine the emotional legacy that is handed down along with an inheritance. We encourage you to explore this site and discover the many complex issues that surround inheritance.

The Inheritance Project was created in 1992 by Barbara Blouin, Katherine Gibson, and Margaret Kiersted, heirs who share an interest in the emotional consequences of inherited wealth.