The Politics of Social Welfare in America

Explores disability rights groups and welfare rights activism in the 1960s and 1970s, focusing on poverty, need and welfare.

Glenn David Mackin (Author)

9781107029026, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 22 April 2013

235 pages
23.5 x 15.5 x 1.7 cm, 0.44 kg

'Mackin examines the ways in which contemporary American discourses about 'welfare' (or more precisely, means-tested social assistance) interpret welfare recipients as unable to participate as full citizens in public life … Recommended. Upper-division undergraduate, graduate, and research collections.' J. D. Moon, Choice

The Politics of Social Welfare in America examines how politicians, theorists and citizens discuss need, welfare and disability with respect to theoretical and political projects. Glenn David Mackin argues that participants in these discussions often miss the way their perceptions of those in need shape their discourse. Professor Mackin also explores disability rights groups and welfare rights activism in the 1960s and 1970s to examine the ways that those designated as needy or incompetent often challenge these designations, thus making the issue of welfare an ongoing conflict over who counts as competent and generating new ways of understanding democracy and equality.

Introduction
1. The aphoria of practical reason: from ethics to politics
2. The aphoria of social rights
3. The welfare system as a narrative of founding
4. Otherwise than need
5. Needing rights
Conclusion.

Subject Areas: Welfare economics [KCR], Political science & theory [JPA], Welfare & benefit systems [JKSB], Social welfare & social services [JKS]