U.S. Social Security: A Reference Handbook (contemporary World Issues) [Hardcover]

This handbook is a one-stop forum for nonpartisan discussion of the major proposals for addressing Social Security's coming financial crisis.

This timely volume details the history and development of the American system of Social Security and examines the serious problems it faces. It covers the prehistory of Social Security dating back to the 19th century and projects the program's likely future over the next several generations.

Thematically, the book chronicles the origination of the initial Social Security Act of 1935, each major reform to the act through today, the nature and magnitude of the current difficulty facing Social Security, and each major remedy that has been proposed. It also examines programs in other nations and how they have attempted to address similar problems. This handbook is essential reading for anyone trying to understand how this vital program evolved and where it could be going.

Livingston has produced a helpful introduction to this multifaceted and interdisciplinary subject that should facilitate academic research on social security. ARBA

This title will be very useful for report writing. Pennsylvania School Librarians Association

Steven Livingston
Social Security
September 18, 2007

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter I.Background and History
The Origins and Development of Social Security
The American Social Security Program Today

Chapter II: Problems, Controversies, and Solutions
The Social Security Trust Fund
Saving Social Security: the Options

Chapter III:Worldwide Perspective
Canada: Moderate Reforms with Big Results?
Germany: Clamp Down on Benefits?
Australia: Putting Means-Testing to Work
Sweden: Fully Funding Without Prl^