Description: Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a social security model in which all citizens receive a regular and unconditional sum of money from the government, regardless of other income. This concept aims to ensure a minimum level of economic well-being, promoting equality and reducing poverty. UBI is characterized by being unconditional, meaning that no specific criteria need to be met to receive it, such as job searching or economic status. Additionally, it is universal, as it is granted to all citizens without distinction. This approach aims to provide a safety net that allows individuals to meet their basic needs, foster autonomy, and reduce dependence on more complex social programs. In an increasingly automated world with growing job uncertainty, UBI presents itself as an innovative solution to address the economic challenges of the future, promoting a more equitable and resilient society.
History: The concept of Universal Basic Income has roots that date back several centuries but gained prominence in the 20th century. In 1967, American economist Milton Friedman proposed the ‘negative income tax’, a precursor to UBI. In the 1970s, experiments were conducted in the United States and Canada to assess its viability. In recent years, UBI has gained momentum, especially in the context of automation and the digital economy, with countries like Finland and experiments in California and Spain exploring its implementation.
Uses: Universal Basic Income is primarily used as a tool to combat poverty and economic inequality. It has also been proposed as a solution to mitigate the effects of unemployment caused by automation and artificial intelligence. Additionally, it is seen as a way to empower individuals, allowing them to make decisions about their work and personal lives without immediate financial pressure. Some advocates suggest that UBI could foster creativity and innovation by providing a financial cushion.
Examples: A notable example of Universal Basic Income implementation is the experiment conducted in Finland between 2017 and 2018, where 2,000 unemployed citizens received an unconditional monthly income. Another case is the Basic Income program in Stockton, California, which provided a group of residents with a monthly income for 18 months, showing improvements in mental health and overall well-being of the participants.
