The War on Normal People: The Truth About America's Disappearing Jobs and Why Universal Basic Income Is Our Future

The shift towards automation is creating a tsunami of unemployment, and Andrew Yang's book "The War on Normal People" paints a dire portrait of the American economy. He proposes Universal Basic Income as a solution to this trend, which would provide all citizens with a guaranteed income and help create a new, more durable kind of economy called human capitalism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 25 April 2019
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company

The shift towards automation is about to create a tsunami of unemployment. Not in the distant future--now. One recent estimate predicts 13 million American workers will lose their jobs within the next seven years-jobs that won't be replaced. In a future marked by restlessness and chronic unemployment, what will happen to American society?

In The War on Normal People, Andrew Yang paints a dire portrait of the American economy. Rapidly advancing technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation software are making millions of Americans' livelihoods irrelevant. The consequences are these trends are already being felt across our communities in the form of political unrest, drug use, and other social ills. The future looks dire-but is it unavoidable?

In The War on Normal People, Yang imagines a different future -- one in which having a job is distinct from the capacity to prosper and seek fulfillment. At this vision's core is Universal Basic Income, the concept of providing all citizens with a guaranteed income-and one that is rapidly gaining popularity among forward-thinking politicians and economists. Yang proposes that UBI is an essential step toward a new, more durable kind of economy, one he calls human capitalism.

Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a policy proposal that aims to provide all citizens with a regular, unconditional income, regardless of their employment status or income level. The idea is to address the growing inequality and economic insecurity caused by technological advancements and the changing nature of work. UBI has been gaining traction in recent years, with some countries and regions experimenting with pilot programs to test its effectiveness.

Proponents of UBI argue that it can help to reduce poverty, promote economic stability, and enhance social mobility. By providing a basic income to all citizens, regardless of their employment status, UBI can help to reduce the financial stress and anxiety that many people face, particularly those who are marginalized or living in poverty. It can also provide a foundation for individuals to pursue education, training, and entrepreneurship, which can lead to increased economic opportunities and job creation.

One of the key benefits of UBI is that it can be implemented in a way that is cost-effective and sustainable. The income can be generated through a variety of sources, such as taxes on automation, wealth, or carbon emissions. It can also be funded by reducing government benefits and programs that are currently targeted at specific groups of people, such as welfare and food stamps.

However, there are also concerns about the potential impact of UBI on the economy and society. Some critics argue that it could lead to increased government spending and inflation, which could undermine economic growth and reduce the purchasing power of citizens. Others argue that UBI could create a disincentive to work, as people may choose to rely on the basic income rather than seeking employment.

Despite these concerns, there is growing evidence to suggest that UBI can have a positive impact on both the economy and society. A study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) found that UBI programs can reduce poverty and inequality, while also increasing economic growth and job creation. In a pilot program in Finland, for example, UBI was found to have a positive impact on mental health, happiness, and social mobility.

In conclusion, the shift towards automation is creating a tsunami of unemployment and economic insecurity. Universal Basic Income is a policy proposal that aims to address these challenges by providing all citizens with a regular, unconditional income. While there are concerns about the potential impact of UBI, there is growing evidence to suggest that it can have a positive impact on both the economy and society. As technology continues to advance and the nature of work continues to change, it is essential to consider policies that can help to ensure economic stability and social mobility for all.

Weight: 264g
Dimension: 139 x 209 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780316414210