This volume examines current trends in social security programs around the world. An international group of contributors provide (1) historical perspectives on the development of social security programs (looking at the U.S., Japan, and South Korea); (2) national overviews of programs as adapted to specific populations (in Indonesia, the Philippines, China, Zimbabwe, Yugoslavia, and Malaysia); and (3) specific program analyses (long term care in Britain, health care in Sweden, and industrial accident benefits as developed in Brazil). The discussions highlight the need to evaluate the impact of social security programs on the general population, as well as on specific population groups. This work will be of interest to scholars and policy-makers in social welfare and public policy.