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The Debate Over Universal Basic Income

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3 views

The Debate Over Universal Basic Income

Uploaded by

Kevin Komora
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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The Debate Over Universal Basic Income (UBI)

Universal Basic Income (UBI) has garnered attention as a potential solution to income inequality
and job displacement in the face of advancing automation and artificial intelligence (AI). UBI
proposes that every citizen receives a regular, unconditional payment from the government,
sufficient to cover basic living expenses. Advocates believe UBI could reduce poverty, enhance
well-being, and empower people to pursue education, entrepreneurship, or creative endeavors
without the immediate pressure of earning a wage. However, critics argue that UBI could
disincentivize work, increase inflation, and put unsustainable pressure on national budgets.
Furthermore, there are differing views on how UBI would interact with existing welfare systems
—some argue it should replace welfare programs, while others believe it should supplement
them. Small-scale UBI trials in places like Finland, Canada, and the United States have shown
mixed results, with some participants reporting higher life satisfaction but little evidence of
improved employment rates. As technology continues to transform the labor market, UBI
remains a controversial but relevant policy idea.

UBI Trial Results from Select Countries

Duration of Monthly Payment Reported Effects on Reported Effects on


Country
Trial per Person Employment Well-being
Improved mental
Finland 2 years €560 No significant change
well-being
Employment rates High satisfaction with
Canada 1 year CAD 1,500
steady income
USA Slight increase in part- Improved quality of
1 year $500
(Stockton, CA) time work life

4.

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