Is Basic Income Within Reach?: Building the Case Amidst Progress and Poverty

This book explores the evolution of basic income policy and research in advanced economies, focusing on the Canadian case. It examines the development of basic income as a social policy initiative from the 1960s to today, discussing negative income tax experiments, poverty and economic inequality, and technological change. The second section focuses on the Canadian case, including Mincome, welfare reform, and policy initiatives to develop a basic income for elderly Canadians. The book argues for careful design of basic income policies in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic rather than simplistic adoption of emergency measures.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 314 pages
Publication date: 24 February 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This book delves into the evolution of basic income policy and research in advanced economies, spanning from the 1960s to the present. It is divided into two parts, each exploring different aspects.

The first section examines the development of basic income as a social policy initiative in advanced (OECD) nations. It reviews the negative income tax experiments conducted in these countries, their achievements, limitations, and insights that can inform the design and implementation of basic income pilots or full-fledged programs today. Additionally, it explores significant developments and research in poverty and economic inequality, as well as technological change and labor market adjustment over the past half-century.

The second section focuses on the Canadian case, highlighting the country's promising prospects for basic income. In addition to a review of Mincome, the country's pioneering basic income program, this section examines important developments in poverty research by the Economic Council of Canada and the Canadian Senate in the 1960s. It also explores attempts at welfare reform and the policy initiatives to develop a basic income for elderly Canadians, which have endured to this day.

Throughout the book, the Canadian case is used as a lens to discuss and analyze important social and technological developments. The evolution of key policy innovations, such as the National Child Benefit and its successors, is outlined in detail, and their connections to other income support initiatives are explored. Research, including recent microsimulation studies of a basic income, is critically reviewed to provide insights into the potential benefits and challenges of such a policy.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further intensified interest in basic income as a response to economic and social challenges. The book offers valuable insights into the past and present of basic income policy and research, providing a comprehensive understanding of the potential benefits and challenges of implementing such a policy in different contexts. It is a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, and advocates interested in exploring alternative income support mechanisms and promoting social justice.

Weight: 440g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030660871
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021