The Color of Welfare: How Racism Undermined the War on Poverty

Rating:
Summary: Color of Welfare
Review: The Color of Welfare does an excellent job of tracing the evolution of the U.S. welfare state. Quadagno explores the major programs of the welfare system. The main conclusion is that racism was the major factor in the development of policies designed to help those in need. Quadagno chronicles the political games and their impact on the services to the poor. Each major program or department responsible for the distribution of welfare benefits is explored and critiqued. Overall, a good source of background knowledge of the maze of the programs and benefits that make up the welfare system.