Social time preference: a rejoinder

This note argues that positive discounting is necessary for intergenerational equity, and that the choice of the discount rate should be based on the principle that individuals of different generations should be treated in a symmetrical fashion.      

Sex and gender: What do we know?

The study of sex and gender is concerned with documenting the existence of differences between the sexes and explaining why those differences exist. This paper first examines what we know about how women and men differ, focusing on differences in social roles, and in the abilities and traits associated with those roles. The paper then examines why women and men differ. In addressing this question, the roles of both biological and social influences are considered. Although there is reason to believe some sex differences in behavior and attitudes have a biological basis, the existence of historical and cross-cultural variation in gender role differentiation and stratification provides strong evidence that social influences play an important role in the determination of differences between the sexes. Both biological and social factors have influenced the division of labor by sex, and the division of labor provides the basis for gender stratification by affecting the degree to which each sex is able to acquire and control the valuable resources of a society. Reduction of gender inequality in contemporary societies therefore requires reduction of gender differentiation in the division of labor.     

What rehabilitation counselors should know to assist Social Security beneficiaries in becoming employed

The 1999 Ticket to Work and Work Incentive Improvement Act (TTWWIIA) has opened new employment opportunities for vocational rehabilitation professionals. The legislation minimized longstanding disincentives in the return to work efforts of beneficiaries collecting Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Although some of these key disincentives have been eliminated, rehabilitation counselors working with this population will find some interesting new challenges posed by this population. This article will outline the Social Security Administration's SSI/SSDI programs and process for applying; characteristics of beneficiaries; and information regarding the psychological and physiological aspects of beneficiaries with psychiatric disabilities and musculoskeletal disorders.