A theoretically informed, historically accurate, and valuable guide to Social Security's development.... Serves as an ideal vantage point from which to view today's debate. - Edward D. Berkowitz, author of Mr. Social Security: The Life of Wilbur J. Cohen ""There are few social scientists with sufficient expertise to understand the debates over Social Security reform and even fewer who can make them comprehensible to non-experts. Beland's beautifully written and carefully researched book places these debates in their historical context and explains them in a thoughtful and balanced manner."" - Jill Quadagno, author of The Transformation of Old Age Security ""Because Beland's powerful analysis significantly advances current debates about the role of ideas, political institutions, gender, and race in the formation of Social Security, it is must reading for scholars in the field. But since it is uncommonly well written, it will also serve as an important guide for the uninitiated trying to make sense of contemporary debates."" - John Myles, author of Old Age in the Welfare State ""Provides valuable insights about Social Security politics over time, including convincing evidence about the enduring emphasis on self-reliance and individualism, the diminishing role of business and labor, and the relative impact of gender and race."" - Pamela J. Larson, Executive Vice President, National Academy of Social Insurance