Social Security has proved to be one of the most successful programmes in the USA. Despite this success, the design of the programme reflects yesterday's needs and it cannot survive into the 21st century without significant reforms. This handbook offers an introduction to the basic economic, demographic, and political aspects of social security, and addresses issues such as intergenerational equity, gender discrimination, and the future of entitlement programmes in a time of reduced government spending.

Social Security has proved to be one of the most successful programmes in the USA. Despite this success, the design of the programme reflects yesterday's needs and it cannot survive into the 21st century without significant reforms. This handbook offers an introduction to the basic economic, demographic, and political aspects of social security, and addresses issues such as intergenerational equity, gender discrimination, and the future of entitlement programmes in a time of reduced government spending.