- April 28, 2022
The Popularity of Basic Income. Evidence from the Polls. Palgrave Macmillan.
Abstract: In light of the vastly increased political salience of basic income in recent years, this book provides a state-of-the-art overview and discussion of the popularity of basic income among the general public. Using data from a wide array of public opinion polls conducted in different countries and years, the book first charts popular support for the ideal-typical version of basic income, broadly defined as a “periodic cash payment unconditionally delivered to all on an individual basis, without means-test or work requirement”. On top of that, the book also maps popular support for the many other, differently designed varieties of basic income that are part of real-world proposals, pilots and experiments –including for example a participation income, a negative income tax and a stakeholder grant. By investigating how and why support for different types of basic income varies across countries, evolves over time, and differs between individuals with different characteristics, this book offers crucial information about the political constituencies that can be mobilized in favour of (or against) the introduction of a basic income, thereby contributing to our knowledge on the political feasibility of basic income.