"This book sheds much needed light on the structure of Social Security benefits. While Social Security has been modified many times, its basic benefit structure still reflects its original design of the 1930s. As such, it still favors one-earner households and frequently penalizes divorced mothers. It is important that we modernize the structure of benefits at the same time we look for ways to shore up the solvency of the system. Favreault, Sammartino and Steuerle provide the best and most comprehensive treatment of this topic. Their book is must reading for anyone who wants to become knowledgeable about this largest of all federal programs."
—John B. Shoven
Charles R. Schwab Professor of Economics, Stanford University
"This excellent book fills a major gap in the Social Security reform debate. It addresses issues — working women, child-rearing, new family patterns — that are fundamental to setting the system right. It underscores that achieving financial balance is only a part of the problem. Its incisive analysis and balanced recommendations as to how to achieve greater fairness and improve the efficiency of the system need to be urgently considered. A must read for everyone who wants to better understand Social Security policy."
—Stanford G. Ross, Chairman
Social Security Advisory Board, formerly, Commissioner of Social Security
"Social Security is still based on the family of the 1940s, creating gaps and inequities in coverage between different types of families. Treatment of dual earner families, divorce, caregiving, and widow's benefits are often in the background as Social Security options are discussed. This book makes a major contribution to the understanding of how the U.S. system treats different families, and to understanding how other countries have chosen to deal with similar issues. The book helps us get family related issues on the table so that we can deal with them more effectively."
—Anna Rappaport
William M. Mercer, Inc.
"Social Security and the Family has raised the current debate on Social Security to a new level. While readers may not agree with all of the book's analysis or conclusions, the authors challenge us to seriously consider how to best reform the Social Security system. The book outlines an agenda not just to ensure the fiscal solvency of Social Security, but also to restructure benefits to help American families, particularly women, achieve retirement security. This is a must-read for policymakers as well as concerned citizens."
—Senator Judd Gregg
"Social Security and the Family is especially valuable for its recognition of the importance of Social Security to economically vulnerable women and their families, and its assessments of ways to reduce this vulnerability. It is a much-needed contribution to the debate on ways both to strengthen and improve this vital national progam."
—Nancy Duff Campbell
Co-President, National Women's Law Center
"Family issues and supplemental benefits—although they pose important questions to reformers—are among the least-studied features of the Social Security system, making this book essential reading for policymakers, family advocates, and researchers alike. Most important, the contributors identify the key issues facing women and their families and explore reform options to better serve tomorrow's changing elderly population. Don't miss this book!"
—Timothy M. Smeeding
Maxwell Professor of Public Policy and Economics at Syracuse University
