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Wickedness, idleness and basic income.

Research output: Contribution to Journal/MagazineJournal articlepeer-review

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  • Doris Schroeder
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<mark>Journal publication date</mark>01/2001
<mark>Journal</mark>Res Publica
Issue number1
Volume7
Number of pages12
Pages (from-to)1-12
Publication StatusPublished
<mark>Original language</mark>English

Abstract

This paper critically analyses the position that basic income schemes foster idleness and thereby create harm. The view is based on an alleged empirical link between idleness and violent crime and an equation of non-activity with the creation of burden for others. It will be argued that the empirical claim is weak because it relies on conjectures derived from studies on unemployment. In addition, opponents arguing that basic income leads to an unfair distribution of burden between `lazy idlers'' and `honest taxpayers'' have to face three questions. Is the distribution of onerous or unpleasant work fair? Is the distribution of work burdens between paid and unpaid workers equitable? Is the distribution of work between the unemployed and the employed fair? None of these questions can be answered in the affirmative. Hence, it can be confirmed that the `idleness'' argument against basic income relies on unfounded premises.