Question 1
The widely expected post war recession did not occur. Name at least 4 reasons for continuing posterity and how each of these reason influenced the economic well-being of American.Question 2
The success of Social Security had a decisive impact on the politics of social welfare. Discuss who during this time period gained social security benefits and who was left out. What attitudes about these groups developed? Which groups were "winners" and who were "losers"?Answer 1
Many factors contributed to this. Examples are high rate of savings during the war years, period of unavailability of consumer goods during the war, GI bill, Social Security Act, Women in the workplace, technology, increased marriage and birth rate and optimism in general. Students can enlarge on these factors in the change and how these changes allowed more freedom.Answer 2
Social security benefits were expanded to cover the unemployed, older Americans, widows and the children and those with disabilities. They were being offered some protection against poverty. Other public assistance populations were increasing seen as undeserving. These became politically unpopular and less likely to have solid work histories. Work was seen as morally correct and resulted in more punitive thinking towards this group. There were other factors of morality as well, such as unmarried women and other non-traditional family composition.