General Social Policy

This chapter discusses the scope of social policy and explains social policy using policy theories. It outlines three policies related to at-risk target populations described primarily in terms of age and economic condition, namely, the elderly, children, and the indigent. The Social Security Administration deals with many areas of social policy, but the primary goal is to make direct cash payments to individuals who are eligible due to age, disability status, low income, or dependency upon an individual who is unable to provide basic social and economic needs. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) plays a huge role in social policy, dating back to the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 and New Deal social policy legislation of the 1930s and 1940s. In conjunction with Housing and Urban Development programs, rural areas are also finding support from Health and Human Services, USDA, and other social policy programs interested in building sustainable communities in rural and urban settings. This chapter spends considerable time discussing the impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill, Executive Orders, and court decisions on general social policy.