What are the challenges facing social welfare in America? Theories of stakeholders, the policy process, electoral politics, the precariat, child welfare, online education, the devolution of the welfare state, and its sequel, the investment state, illuminate critical factors determining the future of social welfare as well as the professions. Beyond explaining social change, theories include applications for future research. After the turmoil of the 2016 election, Pandora's Dilemma is not only the first empirically-based theoretical explanation, but also a long-overdue illustration of the value of theory in social welfare. This book is essential reading for social welfare scholars trying to make sense of Brexit and the Trump presidency.