In this book Peter Diamond analyzes social security as a particular example of optimal taxation theory. Assuming a world of incomplete markets and asymmetric information, he uses a variety of simple models to illuminate the economic forces that bear on specific social security policy issues. The...

A brief overview of Social Security -- Goals for Social Security reform -- Social Security's long-term deficit -- A three-part plan to shore up Social Security -- Strengthening Social Security's effectiveness as social insurance -- Implications for benefits and revenue -- Individual accounts --...