"Social welfare combines traditional notions of charity with responses to modern social problems. In this far-reaching collection of articles on the birth of American welfare, readers will see a robust debate on the nature of poverty and the costs and benefits of combating it. Beginning with private charities, dramatically expanding in the Great Depression, and frequently changing direction near the end of the twentieth century, the story of social welfare reveals the many features of America's relationship with its most downtrodden."-- Provided by publisher.
Contents
Alms in a modern city: social welfare's birth -- Progressive era notions of social welfare -- The Great Depression fosters modern welfare -- The great society broadens public welfare -- Welfare reform and its aftermath.
