Unconditional Freedom: Universal Basic Income and Social Power

Unconditional Freedom by David Casassas argues that for us to live freely, we need unconditional resources such as Universal Basic Income (UBI), which would liberate us from social exclusion and precarious employment and increase our bargaining power.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 20 January 2024
Publisher: Pluto Press

This path-breaking work throws new light on how we understand work, freedom, and emancipation in today's highly precariatised and insecure world. A must-read for anyone interested in understanding the challenges and opportunities of our time.

As the rich get richer and take more of our wealth, our democratic freedoms are also in danger. The elite are gaining large profits without contributing back to society, hollowing out our public services and institutions, and preventing the vast majority of us from living our lives to the fullest.

In Unconditional Freedom, David Casassas argues that for us to live freely, we need unconditional resources such as Universal Basic Income. In a sharp and lucid analysis, he shows that UBI would not only liberate us from the nightmare of social exclusion and precarious employment, it would also increase our bargaining power as individuals and collectives, opening doors to democratise our lives.

The idea of Universal Basic Income (UBI) has gained increasing attention in recent years as a way to address the growing inequality and social unrest that are prevalent in many parts of the world. UBI is a policy that provides a regular cash payment to all citizens, regardless of their employment status or income level. The goal of UBI is to provide a basic level of financial security and stability for everyone, while also promoting economic growth and social mobility.

One of the key arguments in favour of UBI is that it would reduce poverty and inequality. By providing a basic income to all citizens, regardless of their circumstances, UBI would help to ensure that everyone has access to the essentials of life, such as food, shelter, and healthcare. This would in turn reduce the need for government assistance programs and other forms of social welfare, which can be costly and inefficient.

UBI would also promote economic growth by increasing consumer spending and stimulating demand for goods and services. When people have more money to spend, they are more likely to invest in their education, start businesses, and purchase goods and services that create jobs and boost the economy. This would lead to a more prosperous and sustainable economy.

Another argument in favour of UBI is that it would increase social mobility and reduce social exclusion. By providing a basic income to all citizens, regardless of their background or circumstances, UBI would help to break down the barriers that prevent people from moving up the social ladder. This would enable people to pursue their dreams and aspirations, regardless of their economic circumstances, and would help to create a more inclusive and equitable society.

However, there are also some criticisms of UBI. One of the main concerns is that it could be expensive to implement and maintain. Providing a basic income to all citizens would require a significant increase in government spending, which could lead to higher taxes or cuts to other social programs. There is also concern that UBI could create disincentives to work, as some people may choose to receive the basic income instead of working.

Despite these criticisms, there is growing evidence to suggest that UBI could be a successful policy in addressing the growing inequality and social unrest that are prevalent in many parts of the world. A number of pilot programs and experiments have been conducted around the world, and the results have been encouraging. In Finland, for example, a pilot program that provided a basic income to all citizens resulted in a significant reduction in poverty and inequality.

In conclusion, Universal Basic Income is a policy that has the potential to address the growing inequality and social unrest that are prevalent in many parts of the world. By providing a basic income to all citizens, regardless of their employment status or income level, UBI could reduce poverty and inequality, promote economic growth, and increase social mobility. However, there are also some criticisms of UBI that need to be addressed. It is important to carefully consider the costs and benefits of UBI and to implement it in a way that is sustainable and equitable.

Weight: 292g
Dimension: 140 x 217 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780745348636