THE MEAN SEASON: THE ATTACK ON THE WELFARE STATE

Essays discuss the background of welfare criticism, the attacks of the New Right, and the importance of maintaining the present welfare system

This is a spirited reaffirmation of the humane values of the American "welfare state" as well as a sharp attack on the Reagan Administration for trying to dismantle the "safety net" that now protects the unemployed, dependent children, the aged, the disabled, and the very poor. The authors reject the charges that public welfare is a drag on the economy, an incentive to immorality, and ultimately a cruel hoax on the needy. Instead, they argue that there are still big holes in the "safety net," to be mended with better health insurance and adequate income support for the very poor. Liberals are chastised for falling into theoretical and moral disarray and thus failing to ward off conservative attacks on these issues. For larger collections. Harry Frumerman, formerly with Economics Dept., Hunter Coll., CUNY
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.