Universal Basic Income facts for kids
Universal basic income (UBI), also known as basic income, is a plan where a government regularly gives money to everyone in a country. This money is given to all citizens, no matter how rich or poor they are, and without requiring them to work. It's like a regular allowance from the government that everyone gets.
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What is Universal Basic Income?
Universal Basic Income, or UBI, is a simple idea: everyone gets a set amount of money regularly. This payment is the same for everyone, whether they are a student, a parent, or someone looking for a job. The money is given without any conditions, meaning people can use it for anything they need, like food, rent, or school supplies.
Why People Talk About UBI
People talk about UBI for several reasons. One big reason is to help reduce poverty. If everyone gets a basic amount of money, it could make sure that no one falls below a certain living standard. It could also help people who are struggling to find work or who have jobs that don't pay very much.
Another reason is to prepare for the future. Some people worry that as robots and AI become more advanced, there might be fewer jobs for humans. UBI could provide a safety net, allowing people to live even if traditional jobs become scarce. It might also give people more freedom to study, care for family members, or start new businesses.
How UBI Might Work
If a country decided to have UBI, the government would set an amount of money, for example, $1,000 per month. Then, every adult citizen would receive this amount directly into their bank account, every month. Children might receive a smaller amount, or their parents might receive it on their behalf. The money would come from taxes, just like other government programs.
Where Has UBI Been Tried?
While UBI is not common in most countries, there have been many small tests, called "pilot programs," around the world. These tests help researchers understand how UBI affects people's lives.
Early Experiments and Ideas
The idea of a basic income has been around for a long time. Thinkers and leaders have discussed it for centuries as a way to ensure everyone has enough to live on. In the 1970s, some countries, like Canada and the United States, ran small experiments to see what would happen if people received a guaranteed income. These tests showed mixed results, but they provided valuable information.
Modern Pilot Programs
More recently, countries and communities have started new UBI pilot programs. For example, in 2008 and 2009, a basic income was tested in two poor villages in Namibia, including Omitara. People in these villages received a small monthly payment. Researchers found that this money helped reduce poverty, improve health, and even increase school attendance.
Other places, like Finland and some cities in the United States, have also run their own UBI experiments. These modern tests often use technology to track how people spend the money and how their lives change. The results from these programs help governments decide if UBI could be a good idea for their whole country.
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, 75%–25%).
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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
