The Hidden Welfare State

Examining the often-overlooked impact of tax expenditures on American social policy, Christopher Howard reveals how these financial mechanisms function as a "hidden" welfare state. He focuses on key programs such as mortgage interest deductions and the Earned Income Tax Credit, illustrating how they are established more discreetly than traditional welfare programs. Howard highlights their unique characteristics, including the formation of unexpected coalitions and their ability to evolve without direct legislative action, ultimately reshaping the understanding of U.S. social support systems.