Reciprocity and unemployment as a result of UBI
5 April 2022
Philosophy of Administration Studies
Written assignment
Word count: 1768
, Introduction
Van Parijs (2000) argues in “A Basic Income For All” that a Universal Basic Income (UBI) is
the solution to real freedom for all. UBI is defined by Van Parijs as “an income paid by a
government, at a uniform level and at regular intervals, to each adult member of society. The
grant is paid, and its level is fixed, irrespective of whether the person is rich or poor, lives
alone or with others, is willing to work or not. In most versions–certainly in mine–it is granted
not only to citizens, but to all permanent residents” (2000). He defends this claim by
presenting several arguments and then refuting them. The purpose of this essay is to evaluate
the argument in-depth given by Van Parijs, claiming that introducing an UBI will reduce
unemployment and reciprocity is not a necessity. I will raise the concern of that a UBI does
not motivate people to participate in the labor market and that employment has many great
benefits for mental well-being.
I will do this by firstly exposition the arguments Van Parijs has given, while
emphasizing the argument regarding reciprocity and unemployment. Secondly, I will raise
two aspects whereat a UBI has a negative effect on. Thereafter, I will raise an objection to my
evaluation of the argument. Finally, the conclusion will give a summary of my arguments.
UBI decreases unemployment
The paper by Van Parijs (2000) shows that a UBI should be implemented, with which people
should meet the basic necessities of life. It also helps to solve poverty and unemployment and
ideals such as the feminist- and green movements. In poor countries, it brings solidarity and
inspires a more modest reform. He emphasizes the inequality between the rich and the poor
which should be on the agenda, however politically feasible it may be.
The main argument for a UBI is the fairness that arises. Justice means that everyone is
formally free, which expresses itself in freedom to do what you want. That freedom depends
on the resources that you have at your disposal, so when there is a basis for this for everyone,
there will be freedom and with-it justice. Second, he argues that it will reduce unemployment
and poverty because it gives people the freedom to take a job they like even if it earns less
without falling into the poverty trap. Finally, it would encourage feminist and green
movements because women often work and do the housekeeping, so they actually work
double shifts. With a UBI it gives women the possibility to work less and thus reduce the
pressure.
5 April 2022
Philosophy of Administration Studies
Written assignment
Word count: 1768
, Introduction
Van Parijs (2000) argues in “A Basic Income For All” that a Universal Basic Income (UBI) is
the solution to real freedom for all. UBI is defined by Van Parijs as “an income paid by a
government, at a uniform level and at regular intervals, to each adult member of society. The
grant is paid, and its level is fixed, irrespective of whether the person is rich or poor, lives
alone or with others, is willing to work or not. In most versions–certainly in mine–it is granted
not only to citizens, but to all permanent residents” (2000). He defends this claim by
presenting several arguments and then refuting them. The purpose of this essay is to evaluate
the argument in-depth given by Van Parijs, claiming that introducing an UBI will reduce
unemployment and reciprocity is not a necessity. I will raise the concern of that a UBI does
not motivate people to participate in the labor market and that employment has many great
benefits for mental well-being.
I will do this by firstly exposition the arguments Van Parijs has given, while
emphasizing the argument regarding reciprocity and unemployment. Secondly, I will raise
two aspects whereat a UBI has a negative effect on. Thereafter, I will raise an objection to my
evaluation of the argument. Finally, the conclusion will give a summary of my arguments.
UBI decreases unemployment
The paper by Van Parijs (2000) shows that a UBI should be implemented, with which people
should meet the basic necessities of life. It also helps to solve poverty and unemployment and
ideals such as the feminist- and green movements. In poor countries, it brings solidarity and
inspires a more modest reform. He emphasizes the inequality between the rich and the poor
which should be on the agenda, however politically feasible it may be.
The main argument for a UBI is the fairness that arises. Justice means that everyone is
formally free, which expresses itself in freedom to do what you want. That freedom depends
on the resources that you have at your disposal, so when there is a basis for this for everyone,
there will be freedom and with-it justice. Second, he argues that it will reduce unemployment
and poverty because it gives people the freedom to take a job they like even if it earns less
without falling into the poverty trap. Finally, it would encourage feminist and green
movements because women often work and do the housekeeping, so they actually work
double shifts. With a UBI it gives women the possibility to work less and thus reduce the
pressure.
