Although the Social Security Act was instituted in 1935, widows and orphans did not receive benefits until 1939. Widows and Dependent Wives examines the current impact of the initial program of survivor benefits on widows and orphans. Among the conclusions reached are that the population of widows is heterogeneous and that many needs are not met because of the assumptions built into the program as a result of the initial policy framework. The book offers both theoretical and practical information.