Inheritance in Contemporary America : The Social Dimensions of Giving across Generations

Contents -- Preface -- 1 The Story of Inheritance: Intergenerational Giving in Aging America -- Trends in Wealth Transfers -- The Aging American Family -- 2 The Inheritance Revolution -- The Origins of Our Inheritance Laws -- Early America -- Forging a New Path: Women and Inheritance Laws -- Inheritance in Modern America -- Family and Inheritance Changes -- Decisions about Inheritance -- 3 The Political Realities of Retirement Security -- Who Is Going to Care for Us? -- The Political Economy of Giving and Receiving -- The Legacy of the Modern Welfare State -- The Dilemma