This solid history and analysis should receive attention beyond those interested in the United States and pensions.”—Political Studies Review
"Reconstructs in rich detail the political history of the U.S. Social Security program from the program’s origins through the current political debate over personal Social Security accounts. . . . The author’s historical institutionalism perspective complements and enriches conventional economic approaches, and he therefore promotes a deeper understanding of the historical nuances of US tax and transfer policy."—Journal of Pension Economics and Finance
"A readable account . . . . The real merit of this book is that it asks questions for which Béland has put together a considerable amount of relevant evidence. . . . This book provides a good account of what the retirement program’s politics have been about; it is worth adding to one’s library."—Social Service Review
"A useful summary of the history of Social Security, informed by a flexible theoretical framework, one that is likely to help draw new participants into a discussion of this vital program and its cloudy future."—American Historical Review
“A theoretically informed, historically accurate, and valuable guide to Social Security’s development. . . . Serves as an ideal vantage point from which to view today’s debate.”—Edward D. Berkowitz, author of Mr. Social Security: The Life of Wilbur J. Cohen
“There are few social scientists with sufficient expertise to understand the debates over Social Security reform and even fewer who can make them comprehensible to non-experts. Béland’s beautifully written and carefully researched book places these debates in their historical context and explains them in a thoughtful and balanced manner.”—Jill Quadagno, author of The Transformation of Old Age Security
“Because Béland’s powerful analysis significantly advances current debates about the role of ideas, political institutions, gender, and race in the formation of Social Security, it is must reading for scholars in the field. But since it is uncommonly well written, it will also serve as an important guide for the uninitiated trying to make sense of contemporary debates.”—John Myles, author of Old Age in the Welfare State
“Provides valuable insights about Social Security politics over time, including convincing evidence about the enduring emphasis on self-reliance and individualism, the diminishing role of business and labor, and the relative impact of gender and race."—Pamela J. Larson, Executive Vice President, National Academy of Social Insurance
“In the debate over Social Security, ideology often postures as fact while partisan rhetoric displaces analysis. A subject so crucial to the future of the nation and every one of its citizens demands better treatment. Béland provides it in this remarkably clear, concise, and reliable history.”—Michael B. Katz in the Journal of Interdisciplinary History
“A readable account . . . . The real merit of this book is that it asks questions for which Béland has put together a considerable amount of relevant evidence. . . . Worth adding to one’s library.”—Theodore R. Marmor in the Social Service Review
