Exploring the Social Welfare Policies of the US during George W. Bush:

Abstract

With a vision to redefine the relationship between government and civil society, the FaithBased and Community Initiative under President George W. Bush marked a turning point in the integration of religious organizations into federal social welfare programs. The present research explores the historical and conceptual development of social welfare in the United States, highlighting the longstanding moral and material contributions of faith-based organizations. It examines how these institutions transitioned from informal community actors to formal policy partners, particularly in response to political shifts and constitutional negotiations. The study provides a detailed analysis of the evolution of welfare policy across presidential administrations, emphasizing the increasing space granted to religious voices in public service. Central to this work is an investigation into how the Bush administration institutionalized faith-government partnerships, and what legal, political, and ethical challenges emerged in the process. Additionally, this research evaluates the outcomes and implications of faith-based initiatives on welfare delivery, both domestically and internationally. Through this historical and analytical approach, the dissertation offers insights into the changing boundaries of church and state in the pursuit of social justice in a democratic society.