In the Shadow of the Poorhouse

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Examining the evolution of social welfare in America, this revised anniversary edition traces its roots from colonial poorhouses to contemporary homelessness. It delves into the complexities of welfare's persistence amidst criticism, highlighting the interplay between welfare and municipal reform, welfare capitalism, and eugenics. The book also addresses the political dimensions of poverty, detailing how the New Deal shaped the welfare state and how the War on Poverty transformed into the War on Welfare in the 1980s, reflecting ongoing bipartisan debates.