| Abstract: | Abstract The U.S. Social Security program (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) was enacted in 1935, long after many European nations had instituted similar ones. The driving force for such action was the Great Depression of the early 1930s, which had pushed many persons into poverty. The program was not intended to solve the immediate problem (which instead was handled by federal funding of state public assistance plans), but rather as an initial step of preventive action for the long run. The current financial status of the Social Security program is excellent over the short range, but very likely a significant, although not overwhelming, problem is present as to the long range. Various proposals to remedy the situation are examined, some merely maintaining the existing character of the program but reducing benefit costs and/or increasing its income, and others reducing its scope by partially or wholly privatizing it. |
