How can an understanding of historical events breathe new life into the study of current social welfare policies and the profession of social work? Why is the American welfare state more "reluctant" that most European ones? How have various outgroups used creative survival strategies in the face of adversity? How has social welfare policy been affected by the conflict among Newt Gingrich, "New Democrats," and Democratic Congressional liberals?

You'll find discussion of these issues and more in this comprehensive, scholarly introduction to social welfare policy in the United States. This book will challenge you to think critically about issues, developments, and policies both in past eras and in contemporary society. Throughout the book, Jansson invites you to become a policy practitioner and advocate and to develop your own "policy identity."