Books in the Opposing Viewpoints Series present debates about current issues that can be used to teach critical reading and thinking skills. The opinions expressed in the selections in each series title examine many different aspects of a single issue. Detractors of the welfare system have long argued that the system promotes dependency. They argue that the only way to encourage the welfare-dependent poor to obtain jobs is to end the welfare system. Welfare advocates argue that welfare does not provide a comfortable standard of living, and that Aid to Families with Dependent Children pays less than half the amount necessary for a typical family to subsist. Defenders of welfare argue that only the creation of good paying jobs and relief of economic hardship will make the welfare system unnecessary. The 28 papers in this collection are grouped into the following 4 chapters: (1) "Is Welfare Necessary?"; (2) "Does Welfare Encourage Dependency?"; (3) "Is Abuse of the Welfare System a Serious Problem?"; and (4) "How Should the Welfare System Be Reformed?" A bibliography of periodical articles follows each chapter, and a 32-item list of books is included at the end of the book. Thirteen organizations that can be consulted for further information are listed. (SLD)