'Mackin examines the ways in which contemporary American discourses about 'welfare' (or more precisely, means-tested social assistance) interpret welfare recipients as unable to participate as full citizens in public life … Recommended. Upper-division undergraduate, graduate, and research collections.' J. D. Moon, Choice
Introduction; 1. The aphoria of practical reason: from ethics to politics; 2. The aphoria of social rights; 3. The welfare system as a narrative of founding; 4. Otherwise than need; 5. Needing rights; Conclusion.