Exploring Universal Basic Income: 4 Insightful Books
This blog post provides an overview of four significant books focusing on Universal Basic Income (UBI), a radical proposal gaining increasing traction worldwide. Each book illuminates distinct aspects of UBI, from its potential to alleviate poverty and combat automation-induced unemployment to its political popularity and feasibility. With a blend of historical perspectives, contemporary discussions, in-depth research agendas, and insights on the social power UBI could bring, these works present comprehensive views on this transformative policy proposal. Whether you're new to the concept of UBI or a seasoned advocate, these books will deepen your understanding of this important socio-economic discussion.
State Basic Income
7/15/20233 min read
Universal Basic Income (UBI), the simple yet radical idea of giving people unconditional cash payments, is gaining momentum globally. As this policy gains traction, here are four insightful books from 2023 that delve into the many aspects of UBI, from its origins to its feasibility, and its transformative potential.
Universal Basic Income: What Everyone Needs to Know by Matt Zwolinski and Miranda Perry Fleischer. This book explores the historical and contemporary discussions around UBI. It touches upon questions of how a large-scale UBI would fare in the real world, its potential to combat poverty and inequality, and its implications for an era marked by increasing automation and unemployment. The authors also discuss the widespread support for UBI, ranging across the political spectrum, and address pressing concerns such as eligibility, cost, and potential impacts on work behavior and inflation. Endorsed by personalities like Anne Alstott from Yale Law School and former 2020 Presidential Candidate Andrew Yang, this book serves as an essential guide to understand the ins and outs of UBI.
Elgar Research Agendas: Basic Income by Malcolm Torry. Malcolm Torry's book presents a comprehensive overview of global basic income debates, exploring the history, current state, and future research directions in this important field. The book covers research areas such as the financial and political feasibility of UBI, its employment market effects, other social and economic effects, and ethical justifications. Reviews from Philippe Van Parijs, University of Louvain, Belgium, and Nick Pearce, University of Bath, UK, emphasize Torry's extensive knowledge of UBI and the book's contribution to stimulating new research enquiries.
Unconditional Freedom: Universal Basic Income and Social Power by David Casassas. In this book, David Casassas articulates how UBI can be a pathway to social emancipation, liberating us from precarious employment and increasing our bargaining power. He argues that UBI can democratize our lives and potentially alter and enrich market social relations. Endorsed by authors Louise Haagh, Daniel Raventós, and Guy Standing, this book is lauded for its broader perspective on basic income as a transformative measure and its strong ethical defense.
The Popularity of Basic Income: Evidence from the Polls by Tijs Laenen. Providing a comprehensive view of the public's perception of Basic Income, this book utilizes data from a wide array of public opinion polls conducted in different countries and years. The book offers a thorough investigation of how and why support for different types of basic income varies across countries, evolves over time, and differs between individuals with different characteristics. Endorsed by Jurgen De Wispelaere from the University of Freiburg & Tampere University, and Yannick Vanderborght from the University of Louvain, this book provides invaluable insight into the political feasibility of Basic Income.
Conclusion. These four groundbreaking books offer unique insights and thought-provoking debates on the concept of Universal Basic Income. They shed light on different facets of UBI and offer a nuanced understanding of this multifaceted issue. The UBI debate is far from settled. It's a dynamic discourse, shaped by the ebb and flow of socio-economic and political forces. As such, the task of keeping oneself informed is paramount. As we continue to grapple with poverty, unemployment, and inequality in our societies, the exploration of innovative solutions such as UBI becomes all the more significant.
Whether you're a staunch advocate, a curious skeptic, or somewhere in-between, these books will undoubtedly equip you with a richer understanding of UBI, enabling you to engage more effectively in discussions and decisions that could shape the 21st-century socio-economic landscape. As the discourse on UBI evolves, remember that every policy, every idea, and every reform starts with informed conversations and debates like these. And perhaps, as these authors suggest, the future might just be a check away.
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