by Toru Yamamori | Nov 14, 2015 | Research
In this paper, Dr Caitlin McLean demonstrates ‘how a multi-dimensional perspective on gender equality strengthens the feminist case for BI proposals’.
The paper is the first of WiSE working paper series. The WiSE (Women in Scotland’s Economy) research centre was founded in 2010 by Professor Ailsa McKay, who had been vocal for feminist perspective on an unconditional basic income till her death in 2014.
Caitlin McLean, ‘Beyond Care: Expanding the Feminist Debate on Universal Basic Income‘(pdf), WiSE Working Paper Series No.1 September 2015, The Women in Scotland’s Economy (WiSE) Research Centre, Glasgow Caledonian University.
by Josh Martin | Oct 24, 2015 | News
Streithorst writes an eloquent, thorough introduction to basic income, highlighting its ability to empower the consumers most likely to spend. Capitalism utilized higher wages and growing debt in previous golden ages to promote consumer spending, and Streithorst argues a basic income could facilitate such spending once again as technological unemployment continues to grow. Streithorst believes a basic income would stimulate demand, grow GDP, and decrease inequality.
Tom Streithorst, “A New Golden Age Part III: The Basic Income Guarantee”, Los Angeles Review of Books, 13 October 2015.
by Karl Widerquist | Oct 13, 2015 | Research
David Casassas
Abstract:
Europe is experiencing rapidly accelerating poverty and social exclusion, following half a decade of financial crisis and austerity politics. The key problem behind Europe’s malaise, in our view, is the economic disenfranchisement of large parts of its population in the winner-takes-all-society. This article proposes that we examine the contribution of republican political theory as a distinctive approach that provides us with the conceptual and normative resources to reclaim what we call the political economy of democracy, the constellation of political and economic institutions aimed at promoting broad economic sovereignty and individuals’ capacities to govern their own lives. This article identifies three key ideas that together constitute a distinctively republican approach to political economy: (1) establish an economic floor; (2) impose an economic ceiling to counter excess economic inequality; and (3) democratize the governance and regulation of the main economic institutions.
David Casassas and Jurgen De Wispelaere “Republicanism and the political economy of democracy.” European Journal of Social Theory Volume 18, no. 4, 2015
Jurgen De Wispelaere
by Tyler Prochazka | Oct 12, 2015 | News
freedigitalphotos.net
As researchers observe a growing income and social divide in the United States, some are calling for a Universal Basic Income (UBI) approach to remedy the problem. Oren Cass, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, argues in a Washington Post article that he does not believe a UBI is the answer to America’s social woes.
Cass said he does not think that the rise of income inequality has created the “collapse” of social well-being in the United States. Instead, the article argues that addressing the weakening of community ties should be the focus of bettering society and a UBI may be a counterproductive approach.
The large cost of the UBI, and the potential to erode ties between workers and employees are two reasons Cass provides as opposing the UBI concept. He argues that an aggressive wage subsidy would be a more effective method of tackling poverty.
Oren Cass, “Basic income won’t fix America’s social divide” The Washington Post, Sept. 29, 2015.
by Karl Widerquist | Oct 4, 2015 | Research
ABSTRACT: Namibia is still characterised by deep socio-economic inequalities, as economic structures have remained largely intact after independence. Poverty is still widespread and unemployment has remained high with women and youth being particularly affected. In 2002, the Namibian government’s Tax Commission proposed a universal cash grant as the most effective way to fight poverty and to reduce inequality. In 2004, the Basic Income Grant (BIG) Coalition was formed consisting of churches, trade unions and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in support of the proposed grant. It implemented a pilot project to practically demonstrate the effects of the grant. The chosen location was the village of Otjivero where each inhabitant received a monthly cash grant of N$100 (US$9)beginning in January 2008. A research team closely monitored developments and found that within one year the rates of poverty, child malnutrition and school drop-outs had fallen significantly. Economic activities increased, school results and residents’ health status improved while the crime rate and women’s economic dependency on men were reduced. Despite these results, the Namibian government did not implement the BIG and the coalition failed to ignite a mass campaign. The country’s largest trade union federation did not play an active role and its leadership withdrew from the coalition despite support for the BIG among union members. The introduction of a BIG in Namibia will depend on the ability to the BIG coalition to create pressure ‘from below’. Trade unions and youth organisations in particular will have to mobilise their membership and present the demand for the BIG as a form of economic justice. In terms of financial and economic resources, Namibia could easily afford a national BIG and its introduction is a question of political will.
Herbert Jauch, “The Rise and Fall of the Basic Income Grant Campaign: Lessons from Namibia.” Global Labour Journal, Vol. 6, No. 3 (2015)
Global Labour Journal
