Social Policy: History (1950–1980)
Social Policy: History (1950–1980)
- Mark J. SternMark J. SternUniversity of Pennsylvania
Summary
Between 1950 and 1980, the United States developed a welfare state that in many ways was comparable to those of other advanced industrial nations. Building on its New Deal roots, the Social Security system came to provide a “social wage” to older Americans, people with disability, and the dependents of deceased workers. It created a health-care insurance system for the elderly, the disabled, and the poor. Using the tax system in innovative ways, the government encouraged the expansion of pension and health-care protection for a majority of workers and their families. By 1980, some Americans could argue that their identification as a “laggard” in the field of social provision was no longer justified.
Keywords
Subjects
- Macro Practice
- Policy and Advocacy
- Social Justice and Human Rights
