Basic Income Quote by Guy Standing
““Cash transfer schemes that at present are overwhelmingly targeted at ‘the poor’ have the potential to prepare the way for basic income.2 But four factors have so far impeded the transition – a belief in ‘targeting’ (only the poor should receive the cash), ‘selectivity’ (some groups should have priority), ‘conditionality’ (recipients should be required to undertake certain actions or behave in certain ways), and ‘randomization’ (policy should only be introduced when it has been tested, or evaluated, by randomized control trials, and thus be ‘evidence-based’).””
About This Quote
Source Article: “Basic Income: A Guide for the Open-Minded” (2017)
Current cash transfer programs focus on targeting the poor, but this mindset hinders the shift toward universal basic income.
In simple terms: Targeted aid blocks broader income reforms.
Key Takeaway
Reevaluate targeting assumptions to enable basic income.
Themes
economics
policy
inequality
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
academic
policy‑oriented
When to use this quote
- government budgeting
- poverty alleviation
- political debate
- NGO advocacy
Key Concepts
universal basic income
targeted welfare
social safety nets
Questions to Reflect On
- What would change if cash were given to everyone?
- How can evidence be gathered without randomization?
A Different Perspective
Political resistance and entrenched interests may oppose universal approaches.
