Abstract

Universal Basic Income has, during the past decade, gained worldwide attention as a new policy solution to the age-old problems of poverty, income inequality, and economic insecurity. Grounded in the guarantee of unconditional cash transfers to all, regardless of socioeconomic status, UBI promises to reduce structural inequalities and ensure at least a minimum standard of living consistent with universal human rights. This essay explores UBI's efficacy in poverty elimination and promoting social equality using empirical research techniques, case studies, and theoretical frameworks. Rooted in egalitarian principles championed by philosophers such as Thomas Paine, right down to contemporary proponents such as Philippe Van Parijs, UBI is presented as a policy tool for promoting distributive justice, empowering marginalized groups, and encouraging social equality. The merits of UBI include an accent on welfare systems reduction, an abolition of the stigma associated with means-tested benefits, and a pathway leading toward financial security and autonomous expression. Various case studies include Finland's 2017-2018 experiment and Kenya's GiveDirectly program, which validate UBI's efficacy toward improved mental health, wellbeing, and local economic results. Conversely, it is also subjected to critical examination regarding its labor market implications, inflation, and political viability. The report shows that these ills can be addressed through progressive taxation, regulation, and complementary investments in education, health, and infrastructure. Recommendations include iterative pilot learning and adaptive UBI design for specific economic and cultural situations. As societies strive to find responses that might mitigate the impacts of automation, climate change, and rising inequality, UBI is increasingly attractive as a policy that promises a fairer and more equitable future. This article serves to set the current debate into context by offering a balanced assessment of the transformational potential of UBI to eradicate poverty and improve social equity.

Keywords