What did the great recession reveal about americans' social safety net? despite cutbacks, it was superior to other nations' programs and successfully curbed the worst effects of the downturn. legislators had failed to make significant and necessary changes since the new deal to meet new economic realities. it was much more limited than those of other countries and less able to meet the demands of economic crisis. the poorest received the same level of assistance as in the past, while those just above the poverty line received less.