Discusses the origins of federal welfare in the U.S. and its effects on society, the policy changes it has undergone, new reforms of the 1990s, strategies and key players in the debate, and challenges that confront resolution of the issue.

"A Nation of Moochers explores the shift in the American character as well as the economy. Much of the anger of the current political climate stems from the realization by millions of Americans that they are being forced to pay for the greed-driven problems of other people and corporations; increasingly, those who plan and behave sensibly are being asked to bail out the profligate. Sykes' argument is not against compassion or legitimate charity, but...

Eminent scholar Lane Kenworthy shows that, despite fierce political debates and pretensions to exceptionalism, the US is well along the path toward becoming a social democratic society.

Presents discussion and debate on the topic of poverty in the United States of America (including hunger, the lack of health insurance for the poor, homelessness, unwed mothers, substance abuse, housing discrimination, government programs to assist the poor), as well as global poverty (including terrorism, globalization, overpopulation, world hunger.)