Promoting Income Security as a Right: Europe and North America (Anthem Studies in Political Economy & Globalization) (Anthem Studies in Development and Globalization) - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1843311747 ISBN 13: 9781843311744

Publisher: Anthem Press, 2005

Synopsis

This book is about an idea that has a long and distinguished pedigree, the idea of a right to a basic income. This means having a modest income guaranteed - a right without conditions, just as every citizen should have the right to clean water, fresh air and a good education. In modern societies the conditions for moving in this direction would seem to be falling into place. Yet in the era of globalization and flexible labour relations, inequalities and insecurities can be expected to remain pervasive. The early years of the 21st century have seen the supremacy of politicians who have preached a very paternalistic alternative vision. The past decade has been one of increased state intervention in social policy; it has been the period of the erosion of industrial citizenship rights whose immediate effect has been a terrible increase in social and economic insecurity. The case for and against the right to basic income security is considered in this book. It argues that there should be a guaranteed basic income as a citizenship right, paid to each individual, regardless of marital status, work status, age or sex. Some chapters argue that existing selective schemes for income protection are ineffectual, costly and misleading; other chapters present alternative rationales and philosophical justifications for moving towards a new form of universalism based on citizenship economic rights. 'Promoting Income Security as a Right', whose contributors include many distinguished economists, philosophers and other social scientists from across Europe and the USA, will appeal to academics and policymakers alike.

About this title

Review:

'The 34 essays in this book contain a mass of fascinating material into which anyone interested in Basic Income, whether in favour or against or agnostic, would do well to dip.' Samuel Brittan, —'Citizen's Income Newsletter'

'Highly Recommended: The unique breadth of positions expressed and the multidisciplinary nature of the arguments make this book unique' —'Choice'

Book Description:

Argues vehemently for the right of every citizen to a basic income.

About this edition

• Publisher: Anthem Press
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 1843311747
• ISBN 13: 9781843311744
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 632
• Editor: Standing Guy