Unemployed Income for Generation Z: A Fantasy for Alleged Lazy Youths
Revised Article:
Hey there! Let's chat about the compelling idea of a universal basic income (UBI) - a regular, unconditional cash payment given to all citizens, regardless of their employment status. Some say it'sthe future, but others think it's a pipedream, leading to widespread laziness. Let's explore the reality.
The UBI Discussion: Modernizing the Ancient Debate
The discussion around UBI can be traced back to as early as the 16th century. Originally, poverty was seen as a reason for charity, eventually transforming into a political responsibility to aid the needy using public funds in the 18th century. Despite the modernized context, the essential question remains: how can we fairly distribute monetary resources?
"Tax the rich" is a popular rallying cry these days, especially after Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's dramatic appearance at the Met Gala in 2021. It's a call for a fairer distribution of wealth to combat growing global inequality. It's worth noting that, by the end of 2022, just 1.1% of the global population owned around 45.8% of the world's wealth, while 52.5% owned a mere 1.2%.
Benefits of Universal Basic Income
You might wonder: how could UBI contribute to a more just world? Firstly, it could solve many fixed costs for people, such as rent, utilities, and groceries. Depending on the individual's lifestyle and circumstances, it could even help cover expenses related to clothing, entertainment, internet, phone bills, insurance, and loan repayments. For many, it could provide a guarantee of a decent minimum standard of living - a basic human right.
Moreover, UBI could help bridge the gender pay gap. Women, who are often disadvantaged by lower pay and a higher likelihood of part-time work, would benefit from this additional income. UBI could also support caregivers of children and financially dependent family members, providing them a bit of financial relief. Finally, UBI could help prevent old-age poverty and financial dependence for those without a reliable source of income.
Everyone Wins
You might think, "Why should I care if I'm well-off, don't have children, or caring responsibilities?" Here's why: it's not about individual gain, but about what's best for everyone. Besides, even you might face unforeseen circumstances, such as health issues or job loss. In such cases, a financial cushion could make a huge difference.
Work Practices Evolution - Get With the Times!
It's essential to address the claims that younger generations, often accused of being lazy and uninterested in work, don't understand the value of hard work. Here are two points to ponder:
Firstly, why should we blame them? Previous generations often complain about how tough their jobs were and how they rarely had time for their loved ones. If today's youth seek better work-life balance and less exploitation, is it really that surprising?
Secondly, the world of work is changing. Innovations and advancements in technology enable automation and cost savings in various sectors, leading to the disappearance of certain jobs. Generation Z is acutely aware of this, and it's only logical that their career choices and working hours are influenced by this reality.
Making UBI a Reality
You may have reservations about the feasibility of UBI, but rest assured that many brilliant minds have thoughtfully addressed these concerns. Universities, like the Johannes Kepler University in Linz, Austria, have performed simulations to demonstrate how UBI could be implemented in practice. In essence, UBI could be financed through a consumption tax, an export tax, a financial transaction tax, and a wealth tax - an important step towards financial equality that the rich are requesting themselves!
Time to Adapt - For the Greater Good
If you still question the need for UBI, consider this: more and more countries face growing digitalization, globalization, and an aging population. These factors will inevitably tighten the existing tax support ratios. A solution is definitely needed, not just in Austria but worldwide. At least one country, Alaska, has taken the plunge by implementing a form of UBI since 1976, providing its citizens with annual dividends between $1,000 and $3,000. It might not be enough to live on, but it demonstrates the theory of UBI effectively.
Science and research propose concrete, feasible solutions to create a better life for all. Governments have a responsibility to act upon these recommendations. Will you join the call for a fairer future?
- In the realm of wealth-management and personal-finance, the debate over universal basic income (UBI) is a topic of significant interest, grounded in discussions dating back to the 16th century.
- Books on education-and-self-development and social-media platforms have played a crucial role in propagating the idea of wealth redistribution, like the call for taxing the rich, aiming to bridge the global inequality gap.
- A universal basic income could potentially contribute to a more equitable society, as it could help cover daily expenses, narrow the gender pay gap, and support caregivers and dependents, ensuring a basic standard of living.
- Critics may question the relevance of UBI to those who are already financially secure, but it's important to remember that everyone benefits from stability; a financial cushion could ease difficulties in unforeseen situations such as health issues or job loss.
- As the nature of work evolves with technological advancements, concerns about younger generations being lazy are misplaced. Gen Z's work choices may reflect their desire for better work-life balance and less exploitation, necessitating a shift in work practices to accommodate these changing attitudes.
