The Challenge of Change in American Social Welfare

Abstract

If the reader of this thesis accepts its contents at only face value, he is failing to recognize its main point. There is no ready and immediate solution to the social welfare problems o£ today. Because it has taken more than a century to arrive at the present controversial situation, no one can hope to find positive, workable answers in one/twentieth of that time. This writer's purpose is multi-faceted, yet solitary. I hope to present a brief and general historical overview of philanthropy since ancient times in order to show the reader from what mainsprings present-day welfare originated, for the history of man's concern for man is an important prerequisite for understanding the welfare issues that face social scientists in the 1960's. Modern welfare goals hinge directly on ancient fellowship principles, and, in this sense, my purpose is solitary --- to show an historical continuation of traditional objectives. Yet, in the process of showing unity of purpose, one cannot overlook the historical trends and present issues that have served to shake that strong foundation of unity.