A Research Agenda for Basic Income

Elgar Research Agendas outline the future of research in a given area. Leading scholars are given the space to explore their subject in provocative ways, and map out the potential directions of travel. They are relevant but also visionary.

Highlighting the diversity and complexity of the global Basic Income debate, Malcolm Torry assesses the history, current state, and future of research in this important field.

Cognisant of the increasing extent and intensity of the current Basic Income debate, Torry begins by defining relevant key terms. Each chapter offers a concise history of a particular subfield of Basic Income research, describes the current state of research in that area, and makes proposals for the research required if the increasingly widespread global debate on Basic Income is to be constructive. Subsequent chapters tackle research on financial and political feasibility; employment market effects; other economic and social effects; ethical justifications for paying everyone an unconditional income; and questions of implementation.

This state-of-the-art Research Agenda will be of great value to students and scholars interested in social and economic history, the economics of social policy, and a Universal Basic Income. Its proposed strategies for carrying out future research on Basic Income will also benefit journalists, think tank staff, and policymakers.