Today, the world is more unequal than at any other point in the history of mankind. On the one hand, the rich continue to amass more wealth. While most of these individuals have simply exploited opportunities in the market to expand their influence and possessions, there are many whose wealth is from questionable sources. For example, there are wealthy people who raid public coffers and use tax havens to shield their wealth from scrutiny. On the other hand, there are millions who wallow in poverty and are unable to meet basic needs. Successive US governments have attempted to address economic inequalities in the country. That the US is recognized as one of the most unequal countries in the world is evidence that the government initiatives have been successful. Offered the opportunity to implement a social policy that would address economic inequalities, I would push for a universal basic income.
Before outlining why I selected universal basic income, it is helpful to begin with a definition of this policy. Essentially, a universal basic income refers to an amount that the government of a country gives to all of its individual citizens. What sets this policy apart from other initiatives is that it is not linked to a requirement that the citizens must meet. For example, when it implements this policy, a country gives an amount to everyone, regardless of an individual’s work status. The idea of universal basic income sounds unconventional and strange. However, it should be note that there are some cities and nations that have experimented with this policy. For example, in Ontario, Canada, disabled people receive as much as C$1,900 every month (Keegan, 2018). The program that Ontario has implemented is designed to life the disabled out of poverty.
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Now that a definition for universal basic income has been provided, the set is stage to examine the many benefits that this policy offers. Restoring the dignity of the poor and other vulnerable groups is one of these benefits (Keegan, 2018). Poverty robs individuals of their dignity and reduces them to a sub-human status. Personally, I have witnessed the ravaging impacts of poverty. I understand that poverty makes it impossible for its victims to enjoy the simple pleasures and conveniences of life. Through a universal basic income, the poor will gain access to opportunities and facilities that poverty has denied them. Addressing economic inequalities is another benefit that universal basic income has been shown to present (Keegan, 2018). In the introduction, I lamented that our world has become grossly unequal. By implementing a universal basic income program, we will narrow the income gap between the poor and the wealthy.
Given its contentious nature, universal basic income is likely to spur skepticism regarding its effectiveness. One would be acting reasonably when they wonder if this policy simply means paying people for no work. To respond to the concerns that this individual raises, one needs to refer to the various cities and nations that have experienced success. In addition to Ontario whose program has been described above, such other places as Kenya are experimenting with this policy. Through the support of GiveDirectly, residents in the Lake Victoria region receive $22.50 every month. While it is too soon to establish the effectiveness of this program, the response has been positive and it is expected that the program will help to alleviate poverty in the region (Arnold, 2018). Universal basic income is not the only social initiative that has been adopted with the goal of eradicating poverty. What sets this program apart from the others is that it targets the real victims of poverty without imposing restrictions or requirements. Perhaps the greatest vote of confidence for universal basic income is the endorsement that Americans have given to this program. It is understood that support for this policy among Americans is growing (Nova, 2018). The public support coupled with the many benefits that it delivers are sufficient grounds to implement universal basic income. I would encourage policy makers in the US to at least consider this policy. As they implement the policy, they will be demonstrating their dedication to solving the scourge of economic inequality.
References
Arnold, C. (2018). Money for nothing: the truth about universal basic income. Nature.
Retrieved June 27, 2018 from https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-018-05259-x
Keegan, M. (2018). Benefit or burden? The cities trying out universal basic income .
The Guardian. Retrieved June 27, 2018 from https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2018/jun/27/benefit-or-burden-the-cities-trying-out-universal-basic-income
Nova, A. (2018). Universal basic income: U.S. support grows as Finland ends its trial. CNBC.
Retrieved June 27, 2018 from https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/01/nearly-half-of-americans-believe-a-universal-basic-income-could-be-the-answer-to-automation-.html
