Harry Hopkins: Sudden Hero, Brash Reformer

Description

From 1912 to 1940, social worker Harry Hopkins committed himself to the ideal of government responsibility for impoverished Americans. This look at Hopkins' life and social work career broadens our understanding of the political and cultural currents that led to the Social Security Act of 1935, the bedrock of the American welfare state. Hopkins' experiences as an advocate and administrator of work relief and widows' pensions in New York City during the Progressive Era informed his contribution to welfare legislation during the New Deal years. Written by his granddaughter June Hopkins, this book not only clarifies the emergence of welfare policy but sheds considerable light on the present welfare debate. It also illuminates the life of one of the most influential Americans of the twentieth century. Front Matter....Pages i-x Introduction....Pages 1-7 From the Dakotas to Grinnell, Iowa....Pages 9-32 Hopkins at Christodora House....Pages 33-53 Poverty and Unemployment in New York City....Pages 55-70 The New York City Charities Controversy....Pages 71-89 Widows’ Pensions....Pages 91-123 War Welfare and Public Health....Pages 125-148 The Great Depression and Work-Relief....Pages 149-173 Economic and Social Security....Pages 175-200 Conclusion....Pages 201-207 Back Matter....Pages 208-271