On Tuesday, April 11 at 19:30 GMT:
Interest in universal basic income (UBI) programs around the world continues to grow, with governments and private donor groups exploring the social and economic impacts of unconditional cash payments to citizens.
Ireland recently joined the ranks of countries that offer basic income. In a three-year pilot initiative, 2,000 artists and creatives will receive compensation of €325 ($355) per week.
The program, which is supported by all parties, is similar to basic income plans that have been trialled in other countries, including Finlandthe United States And Wales. About 10 million women in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu will receive a basic income when a program backed by state leaders starts in September. GiveDirectly, a New York-based NGO funded by private donors, provides unconditional monthly payments to people in rural Kenya in a 12-year program.
Universal Basic Income recipients — especially those living in financial precariousness — say the payments have improved their well-being and helped them focus on improving their education and skills. Proponents of UBI say it stimulates local economies, as recipients are free to use the money however they see fit. Critics say the pilots only provide free money with little oversight, discourage people from working and drive a wedge between recipients and other members of the community who miss out.
In this episode of The Stream, we examine the growing interest in basic income schemes around the world and question whether UBI will be accepted by the mainstream.
In this episode of The Stream we are joined by:
Elinor O’Donovan, @elinoronovavan
Artist and recipient of funds under Ireland’s Basic Income for the Arts programme
elinorodonova.com
Sam Soko, @sokosam
Director of documentary film ‘Free Money’
lbxafrica.com
Guy standing
Founding Member and Honorary Co-Chair, Basic Income Earth Network
guystanding.com