The idea of a fixed sum, which everyone should receive without compensation, is - depending on the interpretation - up to several hundred years old and has been considered by representatives of all political directions.
But in recent years it has increasingly found supporters. There are good reasons for this. Work and economic life are changing at a pace that was hardly imaginable just a few decades ago. Automation, digitization and networking are the key words that mean in practice: The number of jobs that will increasingly be performed by smarter machines in the future is likely to rise. Where self-propelled trucks will take care of freight transport, where machines provide care services, the risk of losing their job will increase for thousands of people. This development is accompanied by growing dissatisfaction among those who are already out of touch with the labour market.
The basic income is the response for a digitized working world and makes people free, say proponents. It sets false incentives, is too expensive and incalculable, say the opponents.
Nonetheless, this topic is an approach which arises in order to provide a solution to these omnipresent concerns and in this paper, I will examine the effects of a basic income on high and low-income groups in order to see if a basic income would be realistic or just a solution for the short-run which is not applicable on all groups of the society.
In this homework I will first define the unconditional basic income, determine its source and then go into attempts of implementation in order to deal in greater detail in the main part with the effects on the population groups that I have just mentioned. I will also use a survey to try to reflect and explain the current opinions of those who would be affected.
In the end of this paper, I aim to be able to answer the question of whether unconditional income could become reality or whether it continues to be a utopia far away, by weighing the pros and cons, the knowledge I have gained and the evaluation of the survey.
As it is difficult to look at the unconditional basic income in general, I will focus on the German situation and often explain examples from Germany in order to create a basis for constructive considerations and to give an understanding of how complex and controversial the subject can be.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1.0 INTRODUCTION AND PROBLEM FORMULATING
- 2.0 DEFINITION
- 3.0 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT
- 4.0 IMPLEMENTATION APPROACHES FOR AN UNCONDITIONAL BASIC INCOME
- 4.1 FORMER GLOBAL IMPLEMENTATION APPROACHES
- 5.0 DISCUSSION
- 5.1 REASONS FOR AN UNCONDITIONAL BASIC INCOME
- 5.2 IMPORTANCE OF UNCONDITIONAL BASIC INCOME FOR LOW-INCOME POPULATION GROUPS (EXAMPLE GERMANY)
- 5.3 IMPORTANCE OF UNCONDITIONAL BASIC INCOME FOR HIGH-INCOME GROUPS
- 5.4 CRITICISM AND OBJECTIONS TO THE UNCONDITIONAL BASIC INCOME
- 6.0 OPINION SURVEY - AN EMPIRICAL STUDY
- 6.1 COMPOSITION OF THE SAMPLE
- 6.2 EVALUATION OF OPINIONS ON THE BASIC INCOME
- 7.0 CONCLUSION AND OUTLOOK
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper examines the effects of an unconditional basic income on different population groups, particularly high- and low-income groups in Germany. It aims to analyze the feasibility and potential impact of implementing such a policy. The study delves into the historical development of the basic income concept, explores various implementation approaches, and presents arguments for and against its adoption. Additionally, an opinion survey is conducted to reflect current public perceptions.
- The concept and definition of unconditional basic income
- Historical development and implementation approaches
- Potential benefits and drawbacks of a basic income for diverse population groups
- Public opinion and perception towards a basic income in Germany
- Feasibility of implementing an unconditional basic income
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- 1.0 INTRODUCTION AND PROBLEM FORMULATING: This chapter introduces the concept of unconditional basic income and outlines the key questions this paper will address. It highlights the changing nature of work and economic life due to automation and digitization, and how basic income is presented as a potential solution. The chapter also clarifies the scope of the study, focusing on the effects of basic income on high- and low-income groups in Germany.
- 2.0 DEFINITION: This chapter defines unconditional basic income and identifies its core characteristics. It explains how this concept differs from other forms of social assistance and examines the essential elements of a guaranteed income, including individual entitlement, no means testing, and independence from work requirements.
- 3.0 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT: This chapter traces the historical evolution of the basic income idea. It explores its origins with Thomas Morus and discusses its continued relevance and popularity in recent decades.
- 4.0 IMPLEMENTATION APPROACHES FOR AN UNCONDITIONAL BASIC INCOME: This chapter examines various approaches to implementing a basic income, including former global implementations.
- 5.0 DISCUSSION: This chapter delves into the potential implications of a basic income for different income groups. It explores the arguments for and against its implementation, including potential benefits for low-income individuals and the potential effects on high-income earners. It also analyzes criticisms and objections raised against the basic income concept.
- 6.0 OPINION SURVEY - AN EMPIRICAL STUDY: This chapter presents the findings of a survey conducted to explore public opinion on the basic income. It examines the composition of the sample and analyzes the responses to understand public perceptions on the potential impact of a basic income.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The primary keywords and topics of this paper include: unconditional basic income, guaranteed income, automation, digitization, labor market, low-income groups, high-income groups, economic effects, social implications, public opinion, implementation approaches, and feasibility.
- Citation du texte
- Jenny Koller (Auteur), 2018, Can the introduction of an unconditional basic income improve the living conditions of socially disadvantaged people and what effects would its implementation have on high- income groups?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/491964
