Universal Basic Income or Universal Basic Services?
Apr 4, 2018
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Exploring the debate between Universal Basic Income and Universal Basic Services, discussing benefits, criticisms, and societal implications. Debating the feasibility of providing public services versus direct cash transfers, emphasizing the importance of robust public services and sustainable infrastructure for a more equitable future.
Universal Basic Income acknowledges unpaid work value, ensuring financial stability and accessibility to public services.
Universal Basic Services prioritize strengthening collective needs and resource sharing over direct monetary support, fostering solidarity within society.
Deep dives
Overview of Universal Basic Income (UBI)
Universal Basic Income (UBI) proposes providing a regular payment to individuals without conditions, means tests, or withdrawal options. This concept aims to address issues like childcare accessibility by ensuring financial stability regardless of employment status. UBI supporters argue that it recognizes and values unpaid work, such as childcare, contributing positively to society.
Comparison with Guaranteed Minimum Income
Advocates of a guaranteed minimum income emphasize the importance of ensuring that nobody falls below the poverty line, incorporating some means testing. This approach, distinct from UBI, involves providing financial support to those without other income sources and involves some level of means testing to assist individuals in need.
Pros and Cons of Universal Basic Income vs. Universal Basic Services
The debate between Universal Basic Income (UBI) and Universal Basic Services (UBS) centers on the efficiency and social impact of each approach. While UBI aims to liberate individuals and recognize unpaid work, critics express concerns over its affordability and the potential erosion of public services. On the other hand, UBS emphasizes strengthening public services to meet collective needs efficiently, fostering a sense of solidarity and sharing resources within society.
Universal basic income – an idea that almost no one had heard of just a few years ago – is now one of the most fashionable concepts in progressive politics. With automation increasing and wages stagnating, the theory is that giving everyone a set amount of money each year will liberate them to do what they want with their lives – and keep them out of poverty.
But some people think universal basic income is a utopian impossibility. Others think it’s dangerous. So there’s a proposal for another solution: universal basic services. Instead of giving people money, why not guarantee all of the public services they need to live a full life?
Ayeisha Thomas-Smith explores the two ideas with Barb Jacobson, Co-ordinator of Basic Income UK, and Anna Coote, New Economics Foundation Principal Fellow.
Enjoying the show? Tweet us your comments and questions @NEF!
Produced by James Shield.
The award-winning Weekly Economics Podcast is brought to you by the New Economics Foundation – the UK's only people powered think tank. Find out more at www.neweconomics.org
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