An article in the Times recently discussed a growing movement in Switzerland (amongst other countries) to create a 'basic income:' http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/17/magazine/switzerlands-proposal-to-pay-people-for-being-alive.html?_r=0&pagewanted=all
It's the basic idea that you simply give everyone of your citizen's a check that provides them with a minimum income for living. An earlier article in the Atlantic argued that such a measure in the US would cut official poverty rates in half: http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2013/10/how-to-cut-the-poverty-rate-in-half-its-easy/280971/
What do you all think? Is it a convincing argument? Politically unfeasible? Would there be too significant negative effects on 'worker motivation'? Should we even care to do this?
It's the basic idea that you simply give everyone of your citizen's a check that provides them with a minimum income for living. An earlier article in the Atlantic argued that such a measure in the US would cut official poverty rates in half: http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2013/10/how-to-cut-the-poverty-rate-in-half-its-easy/280971/
What do you all think? Is it a convincing argument? Politically unfeasible? Would there be too significant negative effects on 'worker motivation'? Should we even care to do this?
I don't see this being politically feasible anytime soon because of our extremely partisan government.
ReplyDeleteproviding unconditional basic income just doesn't sound right. it can't be a tool of empowerment for poor people if there is not liability or accountability attached to this income
ReplyDeleteI personally think that it is not only politically unfeasible, it is also demotivating to workers. It would eliminate the drive in people to work hard.
ReplyDeleteI wont bother to go ahead with this at all
ReplyDeleteI think its an interesting concept, but Sameen and Komal raise good points about the implications that can happen in the work force.
ReplyDeleteI think it's an interesting idea. I do think that it would create disincentives to work, which could create bigger problems down the road. Interesting to see how this play out in the future.
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