The Implications of Population Stationarity for the Social Security System

In: Social science quarterly, Band 55, Heft 1, S. 151-158

Abstract

The projected trend of population growth upon Social Security's OASDHI programs is investigated. The Social Security payroll tax levied to pay for OASDHI has risen in recent years. This trend has brought forth criticism of the present method of financing Social Security. Some of the major worries about the negative aspects of population stabilization include: (1) the possibility that too much power would be concentrated among those over 65, (2) that there might be too little chance for job advancement, & (3) that the potential problem of a growing proportion of old people in society would produce a heavier burden for publicly-financed health & retirement programs. A decline in the proportion of young people will accompany the projected changes in the future US structure. Any dramatic change in Social Security will not occur for at least a generation, therefore US society will have some time to seek adjustment in present finance methods. 2 Tables. B. Miller.