Demonstrate you understand the main arguments of the book.

2.)

Demonstrate you can relate the book material to contemporary issues affecting

residents in urban areas. To do this, I provide you with additional readings or

resources/documentaries to better understand the contemporary policy context.

3.)

Demonstrate you can take an educated position on these issues having learned what

you have in class.

You essay should be about 4-5 pages long. I have given you suggestions for how long each

part should be (ex: roughly 1 page). This assignment is not a book review. You are also not

required to include additional literature, but may do so if you find it supports your essay.

In this paper, students are asked to draw on Katznelson, reflect on American economic

conditions and welfare state and government programs aimed at alleviating financial

distress.

1.)

Katznelson discussed the Social Security Act of 1935 consisted of two types of

programs, one that stigmatized who received assistance but not the other. What were

these two types of programs developed with the New Deal? Explain how racial inequality

was structured in both types of programs. [Roughly ¾-1 page]

2.)

Consider how Katznelson’s distinction in the welfare state remains relevant today

and why this matters. In what ways has the welfare state changed or remained the same

from the New Deal era?

Is racial inequality still structured into both types of programs? If

not, explain why not. If so, explain how so. [Roughly 1.5-3 pages]

Additional Readings To Answer This:

In class, we learned that the government safety net was created to keep Americans from

abject poverty. Yet today the poorest households no longer receive a majority of

government benefits. The share of benefits flowing to the least affluent households, the

2

bottom fifth, has declined from 54 percent in 1979 to 36 percent in 2007. To help you

understand who then benefits from the government safety net, read the following:

a.

New York Times article: Even Critics of Safety Net Increasingly Depend on It.

*

Make sure to study the graphs and tables linked to the article*

Also consider that the current Trump administration has taken a strong position to cut

safety net programs. To help you understand the cuts this administration proposes, read

the following:

b.

Trump Wants to Limit Aid for Low-Income Americans. A Look At His Proposals

3.)

Take a position. Should certain safety net programs be cut and/or others expanded,

stay the same? Explain why. Consider the cost of these programs, possible restrictions or

eligibility when explaining your answer. [Roughly ¾ -1 page].