Basic Income Experiments: A Critical Examination of Their Goals, Contexts, and Methods

This book explores the insights and reflections from interviews with key stakeholders involved in past, current, and future basic income experiments, analyzing the major elements and factors influencing them, their sociological and political basis, and the epistemological status of their results. It pursues a bottom-up strategy, gathering key questions related to policy experiments and assessing experimental design, political and social context, and the main results.

Format: Hardback
Length: 229 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This book is a comprehensive compilation of insights and reflections derived from a series of in-depth interviews conducted with key stakeholders involved in past, present, and future basic income experiments. It offers an insightful analysis of the major elements and factors that shape these experiments, as well as the most significant outcomes and outcomes derived from their experimental design, sociological and political foundations, and epistemological status. By adopting a bottom-up approach, where the interviews conducted play a central role in the collection and analysis phase, the book uncovers critical questions related to policy experiments. Some of the questions explored include the rationale behind engaging in and implementing a basic income experiment, as well as the paradoxical observation that most basic income experiments fail to fully adhere to the principles of pure basic income schemes. In addressing these challenges head-on, the book examines issues of experimental design, the political and social context surrounding the policy, and the primary findings and their implications for understanding basic income.

Introduction:
The concept of basic income has gained increasing attention in recent years, as policymakers and social activists explore ways to address income inequality and promote social welfare. Basic income experiments have been conducted in various countries and regions, aimed at testing the effectiveness and feasibility of providing a universal or targeted cash payment to individuals or households. These experiments have yielded valuable insights into the potential benefits and challenges of basic income, as well as the factors that influence its implementation and outcomes.

Key Elements and Factors Influencing Basic Income Experiments:
The book delves into the key elements and factors that shape basic income experiments. It examines the various experimental designs employed, including randomized control trials, natural experiments, and case studies. It also explores the political and social context surrounding the policy, including the historical, economic, and cultural factors that may influence its implementation and outcomes. The book also considers the epistemological status of the results obtained from these experiments, examining the challenges and limitations of using experimental methods to study complex social phenomena.

Major Outputs and Outcomes of Basic Income Experiments:
The book provides an analysis of some of the most significant outputs and outcomes of basic income experiments. It examines the impact of basic income on poverty, income inequality, employment, and social well-being. It also explores the effects of basic income on individual and family dynamics, including changes in consumption patterns, social relationships, and mental health. The book also considers the broader societal implications of basic income, such as its potential to promote social cohesion, reduce social exclusion, and promote economic growth.

Paradoxes and Challenges in Basic Income Experiments:
Despite the valuable insights gained from basic income experiments, there are also paradoxes and challenges that need to be addressed. One of the most prominent paradoxes is the issue of universality versus targeting. While some experiments aim to provide a universal basic income to all individuals or households, others prioritize targeting specific groups, such as the poor or marginalized populations. The choice between universality and targeting can have significant implications for the effectiveness and equity of the policy.

Experimental Design and Data Analysis:
Another challenge in basic income experiments is the design and analysis of the data. Collecting accurate and reliable data is crucial to drawing valid conclusions about the effects of basic income. However, there are challenges associated with measuring the impact of cash payments on individuals and households, particularly in the long term. The book discusses the methods and techniques used in basic income experiments, including surveys, administrative data, and qualitative research.

Political and Social Context:
The political and social context surrounding basic income experiments is also a critical factor to consider. Different countries and regions have different political systems, social structures, and cultural norms that may influence the implementation and outcomes of basic income policies. The book examines the political and social dynamics that shape the policy process, including the role of policymakers, civil society, and grassroots movements.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the past, present, and future basic income experiments. It provides valuable insights into the key elements and factors that shape these experiments, as well as the most significant outputs and outcomes derived from their experimental design, sociological and political basis, and epistemological status. By adopting a bottom-up approach, the book uncovers critical questions related to policy experiments and examines the challenges and paradoxes that arise in the process. This book is a valuable resource for policymakers, social activists, and researchers interested in understanding the potential benefits and challenges of basic income policies.

Weight: 450g
Dimension: 156 x 219 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030891190
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022