Social Security

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Social Security Past and Present

Contrary to the popular misconception that Social Security is a single program designed to provide supplemental income to retirees; it is actually a dynamic system of several programs. These programs work because they respond to the universal financial insecurities that surround death, disablement, and unemployment. The Social Security system was created as a solution to the economic crisis caused the stock market crash of 1929. The program has evolved numerous amendments since the 1930’s geared towards meeting the changing socioeconomic needs of the American people. Though the system faces challenges in the future is has been a successful and well accepted addition to the economic and social aid efforts of the United States government.
The United Sates was founded on the desire of its people to expand both their geographic and economic horizons. This basis yielded an economy that was overwhelming agriculturally centered until the Industrial Revolution of the late 1800’s.
Until 1870 over 50% of America’s adult workers were farmers (Langley 1). The economy operated within a much more independent dynamic characterized by a closer family structure than that which is present today. The population distribution was rurally shifted and farmers relied heavily on their families to provide vital income.
Local villages and towns recognized the need for aid to families, but this accomplished through the poor relief system as well as alms and workhouses (SSA.gov)
Gradually, aid became more organized with the passage of Mother’s pension laws and with assistance to the elderly and blind. The need was rising for social insurance programs as a right rather than an aid to those already in need.
With the population influx of the late 1800’s came the rise of industry and subsequently the Industrial Revolution. This shift from agriculture to mass organized production had farther reaching effects and c...