Christopher Howard’s Book Essay Example

public opinion, policy design, and interest groups that influence the American welfare state. It covers all aspects hindering social development in the United States. However, poverty and inequality continue to be significant issues within the U.S. welfare system despite Howard's analysis. Additionally, misconceptions surrounding this system are even worse. Some analysts unfavorably compare it with European welfare states that rely on social insurance programs traditionally (Howard & Wormer). The United States falls behind other countries in meeting necessary standards by heavily relying on social insurance, tax expenditures, social regulations, and loan guarantees for its welfare state. Overall society views social policy and welfare negatively despite a positive perception of Social Security which leads to false beliefs about program effectiveness.Economists and policy analysts examine social programs' performance, while scholars analyze the political aspects surrounding them. In the past, scholars focused on economic developments in relation to social policy but now concentrate more on specific programs, beneficiaries, and legislative milestones. Addressing persistent issues that have existed for decades or even centuries is a significant aspect of welfare policy. These challenges encompass finding a balance between work incentives and preventing destitution for those able to work, protecting those truly in need without sufficient employment opportunities or compatibility, as well as addressing necessary skills and available training resources required by the United States and other countries. The recurring issue of increasing single-parent families in the U.S., with many welfare recipients falling into this group (Kirst-Ashman, 2009), remains a concern. Internationally, job availability and policies for immigrants and individuals facing multiple barriers to employment also pose ongoing concerns. Criticism from citizens towards the fairness of the social order within the

United States' welfare policy framework can lead to a loss of loyalty and support. To prevent negative outcomes, it is crucial for the government to continue reinforcing beliefs about the legitimacy of the social order. This tension often results in changes in social welfare policy aimed at alleviating negative impacts related to market conditions.Social welfare policy ensures that those in need have access to food, regardless of others' success. Adjustments in social welfare policies address perceptions of unfairness through increased cash assistance, tax credits for education, or counseling services while affirming equal benefits for all members of society. These policies help balance tensions between wealth accumulation and societal legitimacy, driving government efforts towards implementing policy changes.

Social Security is a nationwide retirement program established based on federal standards with the goal of increasing government aid and reducing human suffering. The upper tier of social programs provides uniform and generous benefits to achieve objectives more effectively than the lower tier. Unlike welfare, Social Security treats people unequally.

Medicare follows a similar approach to Social Security by offering health insurance for elderly individuals with nationwide eligibility and benefits. Currently, there is a clear distinction between the two tiers; however, as American states gain influence in the upper tier, this contrast diminishes.

For example, state agencies determine eligibility for disability assurance leading to variations in rejection rates and denial appeals across the country. In the American welfare state, racial divisions are more apparent than gender divisions.Despite representing only 25% of the population, black or Hispanic individuals constitute a significant portion of Medicaid recipients. If there is as much variation in eligibility and benefits within the lower tier as there is in

the upper tier, it could have a negative impact on social welfare in the economy. The author takes a behavioral approach to debunk myths about U.S. welfare policy; however, these studies often have a narrow focus and struggle to support generalizations. The methods used for data collection and presentation produce reliable results that accurately reflect reality. Measuring influence from policy experts, elected officials, political parties, and institutional design is more challenging than determining opinion poll results. This book effectively addresses the actual challenges faced by social welfare in the United States by clarifying the complexities of social welfare policy and enabling individuals to gain a comprehensive understanding of U.S. welfare policy. Nevertheless, the book challenges the notion that all assumptions about U.S. welfare policy are incorrect; however, it is important to recognize that some of these assumptions are indeed accurate.