Basic income facts for kids
A basic income is a plan where everyone in a country or area gets a regular payment of money from the government. This money is given to people without checking how much they earn or if they are looking for a job. It's like a safety net that helps make sure everyone has enough money for basic needs.
This idea has not yet been fully started by any country. However, there have been some small tests or "trials" in different places to see how it might work.
Contents
What is Basic Income?
A basic income is a regular payment given to all citizens or permanent residents. It's usually paid every month. The main idea is to give everyone a financial base. This means they would have enough money to cover essential things like food, housing, and clothes.
How is it Different from Other Help?
Many countries have programs to help people who are struggling. These often require people to prove they need help. They might also need to show they are looking for work. A basic income is different because it's given to everyone, no matter their income or work status. This is called being "unconditional."
Why Do People Talk About Basic Income?
People discuss basic income for many reasons. Some believe it could help reduce poverty. It might also make society fairer.
Helping People in Need
One main reason is to help people who don't have enough money. A basic income could ensure everyone has a minimum amount to live on. This could reduce stress and improve health.
Changes in Work
Another reason is the future of work. Some people worry that robots and artificial intelligence might take many jobs. A basic income could provide money for people if there are fewer jobs available. It could also give people time to learn new skills.
Supporting Creativity and Community
With a basic income, people might have more freedom. They could spend more time caring for family, volunteering, or starting new projects. It might also help people be more creative or start small businesses.
How Basic Income Has Been Tested
Even though no country has a full basic income system, there have been many small tests. These trials help researchers understand how people use the money. They also show how it affects their lives.
Early Experiments
One early test happened in Namibia. In 2008-2009, a local basic income was tried in two poor villages, including Omitara. People received a small amount of money regularly. Studies showed that poverty went down. More children went to school, and people's health improved.
Recent Trials
More recently, countries like Finland, Canada, and cities in the United States have run trials. These tests often involve giving money to a group of people for a few years. Researchers then study the effects on their health, work, and happiness. For example, in 2013, people in Bern, Switzerland, showed support for a basic income idea. They dumped millions of coins in a public square. However, a country-wide vote on the idea was rejected later.
Arguments For and Against Basic Income
Like any big idea, basic income has supporters and critics.
Arguments For Basic Income
- Reduces Poverty: It ensures everyone has enough money for basic needs.
- Improves Health: Less financial stress can lead to better physical and mental health.
- Simplifies Welfare: It could replace many complex welfare programs.
- Increases Freedom: People have more choice in how they live and work.
Arguments Against Basic Income
- High Cost: Giving money to everyone could be very expensive for the government.
- Less Work Incentive: Some worry people might stop working if they get money for free.
- Inflation: More money circulating could make prices go up.
- Fairness Concerns: Some people might feel it's unfair to give money to those who don't work.
Images for kids
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In 2013, eight million 5-cent coins (one per inhabitant) were dumped on the Bundesplatz, Bern to support the 2016 Swiss referendum for a basic income (which was rejected, 77%–23%).
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Omitara, one of the two poor villages in Namibia where a local basic income was tested in 2008–2009
See also
In Spanish: Renta básica universal para niños
