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Don't Believe in a Universal Basic Income?
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Don't Believe in a Universal Basic Income?

This Is Why It Would Work, and How We Can Pay for It

Rutger Bregman
World Economic Forum, 2018
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Editorial Rating

9

Qualities

  • Controversial
  • Eye Opening
  • Engaging

Recommendation

In this compelling article, financial journalist and historian Rutger Bregman assesses a universal basic income as a long-term economic tool. Arguing that a guaranteed government distribution could mitigate “poverty, unemployment and the bureaucratic behemoth of the modern welfare state,” Bregman focuses his attention on answering critics of the concept, who contend that the framework of such a massive undertaking is fraught with obstacles and difficulties. Whichever side you take, getAbstract recommends this intriguing text that introduces some new thinking about this highly controversial economic topic.

Take-Aways

  • In Finland, Canada, Kenya and other countries, officials are reintroducing and re-examining a historical concept: that of a universal basic income. 
  • Support for the concept is growing: More than two-thirds of people surveyed in 28 nations in Europe say they would cast a vote for a universal basic income.
  • Officials would need to address the moral issue of “universality”: Why should billionaires receive payments? And authorities would have to figure out the pragmatic issue of how to fund the plan. 

About the Author

Rutger Bregman is a journalist and the author of Utopia for Realists.

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