Social Welfare: A History of the American Response to Need is a comprehensive textbook that delves into the historical development of social welfare in the United States. Written by Mark Stern and June Axinn, this text explores various aspects of social welfare from the 18th century to the present day. It covers a range of topics such as the evolution of social welfare policies, the impact of economic and political forces on social welfare programs, and the role of voluntary organizations and individuals in working with at-risk populations. With a variety of learning aids and interactive features, this book is designed to engage and enlighten students on the complex history of social welfare in America.