Current social welfare policy in the United States. Taking a policy analysis framework American Social Welfare Policy: A Pluralist Approach 7/e is the most comprehensive and up-to-date textbook on the American welfare policy. The text provides a critical in-depth look at the major programs that make up the U.S. welfare state including Medicare Medicaid Social Security and TANF. Learning Goals Upon completing this book readers will be able to: Understand the social political and economic forces that shape social welfare policy. Analyze the major programs that make up the U.S. welfare state. Discuss basic social welfare concepts.