Re:A Basic Income Is Smarter Than a Minimum Wage
by tikhonj on Monday April 04, 2016 @04:18PM
(#11425198)
Is it that generous? My understanding is that in empirical trials, direct cash transfers are one of the most effective programs for alleviating poverty.
Of course, I've seen this evidence in a different context that might be somewhat biased: GiveDirectly[1] provides some credible research and are supported by Effective Altruist organizations like GiveWell[2]. There have also been experiments specific to basic income with similar conclusions[3].
To be fair, none of these studies are remotely bulletproof. Further research would help significantly, as is almost always true in the social sciences. But, in this light, the default position should be that the poor largely wouldn't waste their money—I'd put even shaky studies up against "common sense" any day.
[3]: Unfortunately, I can't find the summary I was thinking of. The Canadian Mincome study[4] is one such experiment and the conclusions, tentative as they may be, are worth a look.
Of course, I've seen this evidence in a different context that might be somewhat biased: GiveDirectly[1] provides some credible research and are supported by Effective Altruist organizations like GiveWell[2]. There have also been experiments specific to basic income with similar conclusions[3].
To be fair, none of these studies are remotely bulletproof. Further research would help significantly, as is almost always true in the social sciences. But, in this light, the default position should be that the poor largely wouldn't waste their money—I'd put even shaky studies up against "common sense" any day.
[1]: https://www.givedirectly.org/research-on-cash-transfers
[2]: http://www.givewell.org/charities/top-charities
[3]: Unfortunately, I can't find the summary I was thinking of. The Canadian Mincome study[4] is one such experiment and the conclusions, tentative as they may be, are worth a look.
[4]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mincome