Critical Analysis Of Essay: Distribution of Resources and Poverty Universal Basic Income

Introduction

Owing to the variously available researches, surveys, public opinions, and tests in various countries, the discussions and debates concerning the feasibility of universal basic income as a means of poverty reduction are long overdue (Izza, 2017). The social factors supporting the basic income welfare are numerous and have been explored through empirical studies focusing on various social groups and social factors from different countries (Standing, 2018). The essay "Distribution of Resources and Poverty Universal Basic Income" provides a much deeper insight into the aspect of universal basic income and how it is continuously raking up stakes in the European countries.

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Universal basic income, an unconditional automatic citizen income, is the foundation of the essay and the author presents how political stance, education and trust impact public opinion on the issue of this welfare. An emphasis is placed mostly in France, Finland and the UK where trials have been ongoing in various capacities. The theoretical backup on information guiding the understanding of social factors on UBI implementation is based on theories of constructivism, social capital, Marxism and Pierre Bourdieu's habitus theory. The data informing the stance of this essay are taken from the eight editions of the European Social Survey done in 2016 in 23 countries. The main finding of this essay is that the higher the level of education, trust and political stance the higher the chances of support and adoption of UBI and vice versa in the three countries of study.

On a broader context, this review is going to shade light on and evaluate the credibility of the mentioned essay, giving credit to its appropriateness while also churning out parts that do not fit the thesis but make a significant contribution in the understanding of the author's perspective. Starting with the author's hypothesis that the support of UBI in the three selected countries is highly dependent on the level of education, trust and the political stance, there is a dense analysis as well as statistical evidence whose variables support the hypothesis. The trends collected from the relevant literature indicate the relationships and behaviours of those who support the universal income welfare. Data analysis and the statistics provided by the author undoubtedly support the author's point of view, and the theoretical knowledge is presented with theories that explain the social dynamics that guide behaviours in favour of the universal basic income and otherwise. The data used is incredibly relevant and taken from a trusted source, the European Society Survey, and SPSS software for accurate results tested the research question. Individuals whose trust is built in the public and higher rank higher in the political scale are rightly predicted to lend support to UBI scheme. To balance both sides of its purpose, the essay presents why the individuals who lack trust in the public and politicians but have right-wing tendencies do not highly support the scheme. The author avoids bias by also indicating the social effects of UBI in the three countries of interests, providing an explanation using the Marxist theory of social classes. Marxist theory, a robust social tool or voice of the poor, is used to substantiate why the individuals on the lower social scales can welcome the idea, as well as those who view the scheme as a possible source of strength to the economy of a country. The social capital theory suggests that the effectiveness of this welfare depends on the country's wealth, economic muscle, population and workforce. Those who oppose the idea of UBI, according to this essay, argue that it might promote laziness and avoidance of work. Also, it might encourage women to stay at home while men remain in the public sector, bringing in the storm of feminism. Bourdieu's social capital theory is undoubtedly the most appropriate theory, in this case, to explain why some people might reject the idea of UBI as a form of social welfare. The author goes to lengths reviewing the literature on the same to support the intentions of the essay and utilising a Weberian point of view to come to conclusions, which is so appropriate for this kind of idea.

Interesting to note from the essay is the twist of expectations whereby the author thought that the UK would be least supportive of the UBI welfare as a result of neoliberalism. This expectation is thwarted by the positive findings in which the UK favours the welfare. Another interesting section is the comparative study of the three countries of study, and the findings of behaviour motivations as far as UBI is concerned. It is eye-opening to realise the extent at which politics, public trust and education are significant influences on how governments adopt particular initiatives, especially UBI as it is considered a means to reduce poverty (Painter, 2016).

The strength of this essay lies on the wide scope of coverage of statistical, empirical and evidence-based literature that circumvent the social issues that would encourage or discourage the adoption of UBI by governments. The author also uses relevant theories to explain people's behaviours in relation to the UBI. On the other hand, the essay fails to find supporting evidence on how education tends to support or refute the idea of UBI despite having presented an initial hypothesis attempting to suggest the supportive role of education. While the comparison of the differences between France, Finland and the UK are integral to a comprehensive understanding of the author's intentions and direction of the essay, it is not covered by the thesis. It is clever of the author to use an open-ended thesis, seeking the extent to which UBI is affected by education trust and political stance. This kind of thesis has worked well, but its findings are not fully convincing. It would have been better to employ a closed thesis which proves a definite point of view such as, political stance, trust and education directly affects the inception of universal basic income as an alternative source of livelihood.

The author has clearly done immense work in reviewing the literature and conducting research that has been the backbone of this paper. The information provided is so relevant to the topic of discussion and is in tandem with what other sources claim (Nova, 2018; (Callebert, 2018). However, the sources are not cited well in the body of the essay. Citing sources would have given the essay and its ideas more steel and credibility, in a manner that is fully convincing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the essay "Distribution of Resources and Poverty Universal Basic Income" has provided much more in-depth insight and loads of information concerning factors that impact the reception of UBI by the governments of UK, France and Finland. The findings are incredibly backed by theories and statistical evidence. Even though it has some few underpinnings, its strengths outweigh its weaknesses proving its appropriateness in conveying the author's intentions and the thesis.

Reference List

Callebert, R. (2018). What is a universal basic income - and how could it lift millions out of poverty?. [online] The Independent. Available at: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/what-is-universal-basic-income-and-how-could-it-lift-millions-out-of-poverty-a6919021.html [Accessed 1 Sep. 2018].

Izza, M. (2017). Universal basic income is an idea whose time may have come. [online] Economia.icaew.com. Available at: https://economia.icaew.com/en/opinion/april-2017/universal-basic-income-is-an-idea-whose-time-may-have-come [Accessed 30 Aug. 2018].

Nova, A. (2018). Universal basic income: U.S. support grows as Finland ends its trial. [online] CNBC. Available at: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/01/nearly-half-of-americans-believe-a-universal-basic-income-could-be-the-answer-to-automation-.html [Accessed 1 Sep. 2018].

Painter, A. (2016). A universal basic income: the answer to poverty, insecurity, and health inequality?. BMJ, p.i6473.

Standing, G. (2018). Why the world should adopt a basic income. [online] The Economist. Available at: https://www.economist.com/open-future/2018/07/04/why-the-world-should-adopt-a-basic-income [Accessed 1 Sep. 2018].