Justice and feasibility

Basic income debate in times of crisis Analysis basic – a cash grant paid individually, monthly, unconditionally and universally population, permanently has been shaped by concerns about the grounds for implementation scheme that inevitably come up against each other practical terms. This paper accordingly first examines present constrained context, then champions developmental justice case distributive alternatives, finally highlights risks debates linked with bending to prevailing welfare norms crises. “states have become not only employer, but also enforcer want as motive work” However, while The Economist got it right when arguing public ‘customers’ get less more cost, Britain, following austerity, “[o]nce-generous legal aid became miserly; in-work benefits fell; [and the] police solved fewer crimes”, rather than emphasising tax trade-offs between generations (see ‘Feasibility’ section below), I will argue deeper issues are at stake, choice development governance based on market.3 ‘Shrinkflation’ paying (and, we might add, working) embedded workings contemporary private economies. Meanwhile, global corporates hiking inflation back war shortages listing huge windfalls.4 government response form windfall taxes too accommodating (in UK, 90 per cent effectively returned via subsidies), neither this measure nor schemes households made permanent.5 problem establishing measures subsidise household budgets encapsulates dissonance ideal reality pertains well. We need new social contract, construct, which inform design institutions economy follows. “‘Shrinkflation’ … economies” When questions justification feasibility set together, can generate productive insights wider reasons conditions income, test theoretical arguments. In paper, looking principled arguments terms fairer distribution, focus institutional democratic innovation within political contribute inculcating idea justice. modern classical defence Philippe Van Parijs focusses scope free lifestyle choices involving personally employment, care leisure globalised economy, secures freedom.6 While begun shift towards anti-poverty, health, personal development, work, notion individuals attain control over their lives wellbeing remains quite influential.7 freedom or individual time-profile activity may be transactional take approach, dominant market already governing our becomes. “what makes us safe is money se stability everyday existence, work care” retire goes beyond current retirement defined living well any age having tempo own fellowship others. holds out hope stable services sector something labour unions fought since inception. Experimental studies suggest allows deep thought, enhancing human motivation function.10 ability change occupations time accords post-war British-drawn ideas equality were never really implemented, T. H. Marshall's citizenship quality lifestyles, all able “to live like gentlemen”.11 At stake today just working hours workload, standing eroding forces interpersonal competition. principle an institution protect structural injustice form. It enough (I believe) create what demands. taking people partially properly understood among others - sends signal desert justice, leads path define requires besides. ‘Living gentlemen’ was complemented Marshall occupational ‘second chances’. He course had mind later escape from early damning effect tiered education system Britain. concept broader. Real chances (and second chances) must part requires: beings cannot displaced homes occupying life journeys choosing better organised economy. sense envisioning itself whole path. state look perspective upwards entails. “basic should seen long-term admittedly difficult reform Britain's economy” There many examples how currently spend inefficiently.15 impact precarious contracting costs illustrated sector, beset chronic staff shortages, turn drive health costs.16 Weak regulation costly. A point very significant role expansion housing subsidies Britain during period after policy liberalisation 1980s.17 benefit extends those earning now. hard-earned savings cover needs until they completely broke before access support threat sanctions) offence too.18 punished twice, misfortune, turns temporary bad luck into permanent state. “The now” As argued above, redistributes poverty, restores independence citizens abates injustice. Recent experiments partial versions worldwide research sources economic security shown doubt motivating stability.19 doubt, surely: could be, accepted argument entrepreneurship limited liability taxes? move consider precisely relationship shared funding, rights. question embroiled justification” same risk romanticising purely anti-poverty tool (let alone sufficient one again) easy solution international funders advocating intensified integration. To some extent materialised, International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently proposed cut Indian through simplified system, sanctions unemployed remain place rich countries administrative capacity poverty.25 “debates funding tend steer overly idealistic sources” According Martin Wolf, recent land tax, landowners big small done little nothing produce value land, taxing it.28 Yet, say equally do deserve (or building)?29 On hand, Wolf because easier (than movable capital). “In movement capital, such assets extremely hard true mobile capital. both cases, attempt so reducing supply capital incomes. But definition immobile.”30 “A here converted context ought contest” Louise Haagh Professor Politics Global Development, specialising Comparative Political Economy University York. She Chair (now Emeritus) Income Earth Network 2014-2020. Her book Universal (2019) list Ten Books Every Transformational Change Book-Shelf, US Orion Magazine