Social Welfare Spending on Family Benefits in the United States and Sweden: A Comparative Study
Author(s)
Ozawa, Martha N.
Abstract
Although the economic and social conditions of families have changed considerably, the framework of U.S. social policy with regard to families has not changed. Under the framework, policymakers assume that the poverty of families or individuals is largely their own fault. This long-standing belief has impeded the expansion of public spending on behalf of families. I compare public policy on family benefits in the United States and Sweden. The analysis indicates that the United States spends only a fraction of what Sweden spends on family benefits. I also describe the allocation of funds to specific family benefits programs in the two countries and discuss the policy directions that the United States may take in the future.
