Steuerle and Favreault present that Social Security was designed in the 1930s when the family unit looked different and has evolved. True False
The correct answer and explanation is:
Answer: True
Explanation:
Steuerle and Favreault argue that Social Security, created in the 1930s, was designed during a time when the family unit looked quite different from today and that the program has evolved over time to respond to changes in family structures and societal norms.
In the 1930s, the typical American family was generally characterized by a male breadwinner model, where the husband worked and earned the income, while the wife stayed at home caring for children and managing the household. Social Security was primarily designed to provide retirement income to workers themselves and survivor benefits to widows and dependent children. The program assumed traditional family roles and structures where men worked, and women relied on their husbands’ earnings for economic security.
Since then, family structures have changed significantly. Today, families are more diverse: there are many single-parent households, dual-income families, cohabiting couples, blended families, and a greater number of women in the workforce. These shifts challenge the original assumptions underlying Social Security’s design. For example, survivor benefits that were originally intended for widows must now also address divorced spouses and families with different caregiving arrangements. Additionally, with increased female labor participation, more women earn their own Social Security benefits, changing how the program functions at a household level.
Steuerle and Favreault emphasize that Social Security’s evolution reflects these societal changes, as policymakers have adapted rules and benefits to better serve modern families. However, they also highlight that some aspects of the system still rely on outdated assumptions about families, which can lead to inequities or gaps in coverage.
In summary, the statement is true: Social Security was designed in the 1930s with a very different family model in mind, and while it has evolved to keep up with changing family dynamics, it still faces challenges because of these changes.