Basic Income

In recent years, Basic Income has risen up the political agenda with successful trials being run in different countries, but does it have the potential to transform the economy?

Drawing on the expert author team’s multidisciplinary research programme, the book uses real world examples to show how basic income irreversibly improves almost all aspects of society. It traces distinct, but related, pathways from the input of money to the output of improved health, wellbeing, education, employment and civic activity.

Using a model of impact to provide an accessible account of transformation in behaviour, relationships and institutions, it shows that reducing poverty through basic income increases access to better food, housing and other goods, frees people from domination and promotes long-term thinking and action. Together these improve individual and collective experiences, charting a pathway to a society rebuilt through a single policy.

This is a defining contribution to public understanding of basic income that highlights the reasons for our age of crisis.

“Basic income is an ethical imperative, a matter of common justice, freedom and basic security. In our Age of Uncertainty, it is the only policy that could give credence to so-called ‘securonomics’. This book shows it is also a matter of mental and physical health.” Guy Standing, author of Basic Income: And How We Can Make It Happen

“This book is a real achievement: Using astute modelling and pathbreaking arguments around health and economy, the authors make the clearest case yet for a basic income. If you are a sceptic or an advocate, you need to read this.” Will Stronge, The Autonomy Institute

“Just as it was once thought impossible that we would pay unemployment benefit to those without work, so too many cannot imagine the implementation of basic income. You don’t need to be in that group: read this book!” Danny Dorling, University of Oxford

Introduction

1. Why basic income?

2. Securing the basics: reducing poverty

3. Freedom from stress

4. Changing behaviour and strengthening communities

5. Care across generations

6. A collective return on investment

7. If you like basic income, you're in the majority

Conclusion