The authors consider both sides of the debate over this controversial issue. Several chapters address the sensitive question of whether government or private organizations are best able to implement supervisory programs. The conclusions are optimistic but cautious. Most of the authors believe that paternalism can make an important contribution to overcoming poverty. But paternalism is not a panacea, and it makes severe demands on the capacities of government.
Supervisory programs are difficult to justify politically and to implement well.
For the past decade, welfare policies have become progressively more paternalistic. This volume offers the first serious examination of the recent trend toward paternalist policies for the dependent poor. The argument for government tutelage will infuriate some people. In either case, here is a bold and honest invitation to the debate that should occur. In addition to the editor, the contributors include Eugene Bardach, Chester E. Finn Jr., Mark Kleiman, Thomas J. Main, Rebecca A. Maynard, Ron Mincy, Hillard Pouncy, Miles F. Shore, George E. Vaillant, and James Q. Wilson.