various value conflicts with respect to the poor. The poor in early American society generally relied upon aid from family, friends, and community organizations like church. As U.S. society became more complex and structured, so did its organization, administration and delivery of welfare services. States began to provide a majority of such services until 1935, when the Social Security Act was passed by Congress. From the mid-1930s until the end of the Carter administration, the federal government continued to play a major role in the organization, administration and delivery of welfare services. Since the Reagan era, a more conservative view of the poor, welfare services, and the federal government’s role in such matters has been adopted.
The view of the poor with respect to social welfare policies continues to be similar in contemporary times to the turn of the century. The expressed concerns and goals of nineteenth century American poor relief were similar to those of welfare reformers today. Most sought a reduction in public relief costs. Nevertheless, there were a vari
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