Synopses & Reviews
Increasing inequality and the yawning gap between rich and poor are provoking criticism of the economic system. This timely volume is the first to discuss both examples of and prospects for basic income, a system of cash transfers, and a new approach to inequality that is gaining in popularity. The book considers experiments in and examples of basic income in such diverse countries as the USA, Namibia and Brazil before looking at the prospects for the introduction of basic income into some other regions and countries, such as East Timor, New Zealand, Germany and South Africa. It provides expert and informative discussion of the operation and forms of basic income in very different social, economic and political circumstances, the improvements it brings to people's lives and the difficulties, challenges and problems that it faces.
Synopsis
In the midst of growing criticism of current economic orthodoxies and welfare systems, basic income is growing in popularity. This is the first book to discuss existing at examples of basic income, in both rich and poor countries, and to consider its prospects in other places around the world.
About the Author
MATTHEW MURRAY Special Lecturer of Philosophy at Providence College, USA and received his PhD in Political Theory from Cardiff University, Wales, where he also served as an Associate Lecturer. Matthew has published work and continuing research interests in distributive justice, approaches to disability and basic income studies.
CAROLE PATEMAN Distinguished Professor of Political Science Emeritus, UCLA, USA, and Honorary Professor, Cardiff University, Wales. She was President of the American Political Science Association, 2010-2011. Her books include Participation and Democratic Theory, The Sexual Contract, and most recently (with Charles Mills) Contract and Domination. She has a long-standing interest in basic income. She was awarded the 2012 Johan Skytte Prize in Political Science for outstanding contributions to the discipline.