Final answer:
Welfare programs have less support than Social Security due to broader political consensus and public perception of Social Security as earned benefits. Welfare programs are viewed as handouts and are subject to stricter eligibility and conditions. The 1996 welfare reform and the universal nature of Social Security also contribute to the difference in support.
Step-by-step explanation:
Welfare programs often have less support than Social Security for several reasons. One main reason is that Social Security has a broader political consensus and is seen as a program that beneficiaries have contributed to through payroll taxes, making it more universally accepted. In contrast, welfare programs such as food stamps and Medicaid are perceived by some as handouts to the poor and provoke debates about individual responsibility and work ethic. This often leads to stricter eligibility criteria and more conditions attached to welfare assistance.
Additionally, the welfare reform of 1996 shifted from direct payments to 'workfare,' mandating work or job training as a condition for receiving aid. This resulted in a drop in the number of recipients, which some attribute to a stronger economy rather than the success of the programs themselves. However, Social Security benefits, which were part of the New Deal, are still distributed widely and have grown in benefit amounts over time, despite challenges posed by the high number of retirees compared to workers.
Ultimately, the contrast in support between welfare programs and Social Security stems from their funding mechanisms, purpose, perceived impact on work incentives, and the public's value of individual enterprise versus collective welfare.