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Table of Contents

Introduction: Why?

Chapter 1: What is social welfare?

Section 1.1 Why do we need to study social welfare?

Section 1.2 What are vulnerable populations?

Section 1.3 What is a social problem?

References

Chapter 2: The Basics

Section 2.1 Taxes, social welfare policy and the budget

Section 2.2 Budgets and social welfare policy

References

Chapter 3: The historical underpinnings of social welfare in the US

Section 3.1 Personal values

Section 3.2 Religious values

Section 3.3 Social values

References

Chapter 4: The Dawn of Social Welfare in America

Section 4.1: 19th Century Industrialization and Early Social Support Systems

Section 4.2: The Settlement Movement and the Foundation of Social Work

Section 4.3: The Impact of the Poor Law Amendment Act and Factory Acts 

References

Chapter 5: The Progressive Era’s Response to Social Needs

Section 5.1: Early 20th Century Reforms and Child Welfare

Section 5.2: Immigration Policy

Section 5.3: Labor Laws

Section 5.4: Health Reform during the Progressive Era

Section 5.5:  The Social Security Act: Laying the Groundwork for Modern Welfare

References

Chapter 6: Weathering the Storm: The Great Depression and Social Welfare

Section 6.1: New Deal Policies and Their Impact on Social Welfare

Section 6.2: Social Work During the Great Depression

Chapter 7: The War Years: Social Welfare During and After WWII

Section 7.1: The G.I. Bill

Section 7.2: Post-War Social Welfare Policies 

Chapter 8: The Civil Rights Movement and Social Welfare Evolution

Section 8.1: Mid-20th Century Civil Rights Movements and Social Welfare

Section 8.2: The War on Poverty and Expansion of Social Work

References

Chapter 9: Expanding Horizons: Medicare, Medicaid, and Beyond

Section 9.1: Healthcare Reforms: Medicare and Medicaid

Section 9.2: Disability Rights and the Americans with Disabilities Act

References

Chapter 10: The Modern Era of Social Welfare

Section 10.1: Social Welfare in the Late 20th and Early 21st Centuries

Section 10.2: Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and its Implications

Chapter 11: Social Welfare in Times of Crisis: The COVID-19 Pandemic

Section 11.1: Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Social Welfare

Section 11.2: Telehealth and Virtual Social Work Services 

Chapter 12: Post pandemic world

Section 12.1

Section 12.2

Section 12.3

Chapter 13: Social Welfare: A Reflection of Society’s Values

Section 13.1: A Comprehensive Overview of the Evolution of Social Welfare

Section 13.2: Reflecting on Social Welfare as a Mirror of Societal Values and Changes 

License

Social Welfare Policy History Copyright © 2025 by Stephanie Saulnier. All Rights Reserved.