Synopses & Reviews
Review
This collection of eight papers presented at a 1986 George Washington University conference celebrates the 50th anniversary of social security in the US. All contributors are well-known authorities with varied background in program analysis, development, and administration. The focus is on the current state of social security, seen in a historical perspective, from the viewpoints of historians, economists, political scientists, and program administrators. The quality throughout is very high, but the chapter on economics by Henry J. Aaron and Lawrence H. Thompson deserves to be singled out for succinctness and clarity. The book is a must acquisition for all college libraries.Choice
Review
The papers making up this book were given at a 1986 conference celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Social Security system. Chapters on the earlier history are followed by an evaluation of how economists have viewed social security, and by an analysis of the influence of administrative problems. W. Andrew Achenbaum makes some bold proposals for fundamental changes in social policy. Wilbur J. Cohen, a `founding father,' gives his vision of social security ten years from now; and Robert J. Myers, another `insider,' counters by predicting no essential change. These contributions should be of interest to those concerned with American social policy. Recommended for research collections.Library Journal
About the Author
EDWARD D. BERKOWITZ is Associate Professor of History and Director of the Program in History and Public Policy at George Washington University.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
Introduction: Social Security Celebrates an Anniversary by Edward D. Berkowitz
Historical Perspectives on Old-Age Insurance: The State of the Art on the Art of the State by Mark H. Leff
The First Advisory Council and the 1939 Amendments by Edward D. Berkowitz
Social Security and the Economists by Henry J. Aaron and Lawrence H. Thompson
The Plight of the Social Security Administration by Martha Derthick
Social Security: A Source of Support for All Ages by W. Andrew Achenbaum
Social Security in 1995: The Future as a Reflection of the Past by Wilbur J. Cohen
A Reply to Wilbur J. Cohen by Robert J. Myers
Recommended Reading
Index
About the Contributors