Social Security

Term Paper # 93905

History
Political Science > Social Security and Welfare

Social Security

A look at the history of social security as it applies to the U.S.A. up to the 1940s.

2,865 words () | 7 sources | MLA | 2005 United States

Paper Summary:

All people throughout human history have faced the uncertainties brought on by unemployment, illness, disability, death and old age. In the view of economics, these inevitable facts of life are a threat to one's economic security. During these periods people, employers, government and others have devised back-up plans or programs to fund these times of need. This paper looks at how social security became the term used to identify these funding programs and looks at the history of some of the social security programs.

From the Paper:

"As colonial America's population grew the systems for poor relief became burdened. The state provided additional financing to build more almshouses and poorhouses. During the 18th and 19th centuries most poverty relief was provided in the almshouses and poorhouses. Relief aid was made most unpleasant in order to discourage reliance. Those receiving relief were subject to losing their property, the right to vote, and the right to move. Support from outside sources was called "outdoor relief" and was mostly frowned upon by most citizens. "

Sample of Sources Used:

Armstrong, B. (1932). Insuring the essentials. : Macmillan Company.
Epstein, A. (1936). Insecurity: a challenge to america (3 ed.). : Harrison Smith and Robert Haas.
Katz, M. B. (1996). In the shadow of the poorhouse: a social history of welfare in America (10 ed.). : Basic Books.
Kennedy, D. M. (1999). Freedom from fear: the american people in depression and war, 1929-1945. : Okford University Press.
Seagar, H. (1910). Social insurance: a program of social reform. : Macmillan Company.