HISTORY: Universal Basic Income
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The idea of a universal basic income (UBI) originated in the 16th to 18th centuries, with early proposals from figures like Thomas Paine and Joseph Charlier. The concept gained momentum after the Industrial Revolution and saw renewed interest in the mid-20th century through proponents like Martin Luther King Jr. and Milton Friedman. More recently, modern debates about automation and economic inequality have propelled UBI into worldwide discussions and pilot programs.
Early history (16th–18th centuries)
Thomas Spence:
Proposed a local system of unconditional payments to citizens at the end of the 18th century.
Thomas Paine:
Advocated for a citizen's dividend—a lump sum payment to all citizens upon reaching adulthood in 1797.
Joseph Charlier:
In 1848, he proposed a "territorial dividend," a regular income from common property, which is considered one of the first national-level proposals.
19th and 20th centuries
Industrial Revolution: Public awareness and support for the concept increased after the Industrial Revolution.
James Meade: Proposed a "social dividend" in the 1930s.
Mid-20th century: Support for a basic income guarantee (BIG) saw its first major wave, lasting from roughly 1910 to 1940.
Martin Luther King Jr.: Campaigned for a "guaranteed income" in the 1960s to combat poverty.
Milton Friedman: Advocated for a negative income tax in 1962, which would provide a minimum guaranteed income.
Richard Nixon: Attempted to pass a version of a negative income tax, but his plan was ultimately rejected by the Senate.
Feminist movements: In the 1970s, movements like "Wages for Housework" discussed an income separate from traditional employment to weaken the male breadwinner model.
Modern era (Late 20th century–present)
Recent resurgence:
UBI gained new momentum in the 2010s due to concerns about automation, globalization, and the future of work.
Since the early 1980s, Alaska has paid an annual dividend to its residents, funded by oil royalties, which is considered a successful example of a UBI-like program.
COVID-19 pandemic:
The pandemic led to numerous local guaranteed income programs in the U.S., supported by federal COVID-19 relief funds.
Contemporary debates:
Current discussions often focus on how UBI could provide economic security in an increasingly automated world and promote greater equality.
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