Basic Income, Unemployment and Compensatory Justice

Abstract

Proposes that basic income, or negative income tax, be seriously considered as an alternative to the present, conditional, schemes of social security in force in all modern capitalist welfare states. Confronts the idea of a basic income with popular ideas of justice. Demonstrates that attaining compensatory justice on the labor market, especially at the bottom end, is greatly facilitated by the provision of a substantial basic income. Presents a theory showing that the case for a basic income is stronger, and the level of basic income should be higher, the higher the level of structural unemployment. Outlines a proposal for a real-life experiment that would help determine the feasibility of a basic income. Proposes steps that could be taken to move gradually from the present system toward a basic income system. Groot is at the University of Amsterdam. Author index.