Reference Reviews

Lawrence Looks at Books

U.S. Social Security: A Reference Handbook. Steven G. Livingston. 274p. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, 2008. 978-1-59884-119-0; 2008-4413. $55.

Costing more than $500 billion a year, Social Security is by far the most expensive American government program. Established in 1935 to provide retirement income for citizens over 65 years of age, the system provides benefits for more than 40 million retirees. However, this great success story is threatened by a variety of circumstances. Longer life expectancies, declining numbers of workers supporting the system, an expected drain on the system as baby boomers begin to retire and a benefit structure that allows workers to receive benefits in excess of the amounts that they paid as tax, are all combining to reduce the sustainability of the trust fund that pays out benefits. Experts believe the fund could run dry as early as 2041. Despite all the talk of the need for solutions, politicians have taken no action in nearly eight years.

In this guide, political scientist Steven Livingston examines the debate on Social Security and provides background on its history, the problems and controversies involved and the range of proposed solutions to the problem. He also explores the approaches that other countries have taken to the same problem. Historical perspectives are provided in biographical sketches of the architectures of the current social security system and from excerpts of legislation, reports and speeches. Further research is encouraged with annotated lists of resources, including web sites, organizations, books and articles. A brief glossary helps student negotiate governmental and economic jargon. In short, Livingston provides an excellent introduction to one of the critical issues of our time. His guide will inform all sides of the debate in high school, public and academic libraries.
—John R.M. Lawrence