Universal basic income as a source of inspiration for the future of social protection systems? A counter-agenda

Abstract

The case for a universal basic income helps to reflect on what could be done to bring social protection into the 21st century, but, it is argued, does not itself provide the most convincing solution to the difficulties rightly pointed out by its proponents. However, this plea constitutes a fruitful source of inspiration for other developments than that proposed. Three proposals are made here in this respect: reducing the influence of household composition on the amount of social benefits received, making the possibility of combining a social benefit with other financial resources more flexible, and relaxing the work integration requirements imposed in return for the granting of rights.

Can a Basic Income Make the Digital Revolution More Sustainable and Inclusive?

“…Engaging in productive employment has been both a right and a duty. Consequently, social protection has predominantly targeted those incapable of working, often through contributory and conditional social insurance schemes (Dumont, 2022). Reciprocity remains central to welfare interventions, with most schemes requiring beneficiaries to work or actively seek employment in exchange for benefits.…”

Support for eco-social policy from a class perspective: Responsibilities, redistribution, regulation and rights

“…There are also attempts to co-create eco-social policies by engaging a broader public, via deliberative citizen forums and participative workshops (Guillen-Royo, 2020;Lindellee et al, 2021). Examples of ecosocial policies discussed in the literature include the Universal Basic Income (Dumont, 2022;Gielens et al, 2022;Van Parijs, 2004), Universal Basic Services (Coote, 2022;Gough, 2019), maximum income (Buch-Hansen and and working time reductions (Khan et al, 2022;Persson et al, 2022). 1 Yet, there has been no real progress on actual political implementation of an eco-social agenda.…”

Social assistance and the end of poverty

“… 18. The right to a minimum income has thus become a fundamental right linked to the right to a life in dignity, see Dumont (2022), De Becker (2022), Vonk and Bambrough (2020).…”

“… 24. See Dumont (2022), Eleveld et al (2020: 8ff.). See also a 2018 evaluation of the effectiveness of conditionality and sanction regimes carried out in the UK by the Work and Pensions Committee, which concludes that the benefit sanctions have at best have a mixed impact; at worst, these sanctions are counterproductive (House of Commons Work and Pensions Committee, 2018: 19-20, 61 ff).…”