The complexities of modern post-industrial society have forced upon governments, regardless of their political structure or ideology, a large measure of planning, and of active intervention in the operations of the economy and the organization of community services. If such planning is to be effective, it requires an information base, continuing analysis of trends and relationships, and evaluation of results or ‘outcomes’. A question of growing importance is what forms of research organization can best meet these needs. At issue are the relation between basic or theoretical and applied or task-oriented research, the links between data collection, analysis and research, the modes of interaction between research and policy-making, the balancing of immediate relevance and the long-term view, and the safeguarding of objectivity and independence in matters of vital importance to the political process.

Social security research is a relatively recent development. The interest in it and the way in which it has developed over about the last twelve years seems to have coincided, on the one hand, with the increasing financial difficulties of the social security systems and on the other with the realization that, in spite of the increase in the social security budget, numerous social problems remain to be solved.

Present trends and problems in the field of social security in the Federal Republic of Germany may become clearer in the light of past developments. Activities which deserve the modern term ‘social policy’ began in 1794, when a Prussian law set forth the duty of public authorities to secure for every citizen the necessary maintenance (Verpflegung) irrespective of the cause of his distress. This was the first time that public responsibility for the maintenance of the citizen was recognized in Germany, and this was the origin of what is now called the social assistance scheme (Sozialhilfe).

This article is concerned with a study of the functioning of the Danish system of Social Security, especially with regard to persons and families who need comprehensive services and cash benefits. The study, which relates to the years 1967-8, has had some influence upon the report of the Danish Social Reform Commission. The major proposals of the commission aim at a radical change in the structure of the social security system. These proposals have been adopted by the Danish government and parliament, and the subsequent transition into a new structure is beginning to take place.