If the welfare state's role is ever to shrink and the role of voluntary organizations to expand, we need to know the extent to which voluntary associations operated before the welfare state and why these organizations were superseded by government aid. In his latest book, University of Alabama historian David T. Beito examines fraternal organizations that flourished for decades in the U.S. and the social services they provided.
Fraternal organizations are actually as old as America.
But it wasn't until the late 19th century that they became a significant force. Beito cites several reasons why fraternal organizations became popular. The flood of immigrants who began to arrive after 1890 wanted groups to socialize with. Many Americans of that era also loved arcane rituals and ceremonies that fraternal organizations provided. But the services that fraternities provided are what made them so popular.