While reading the article “Finland trials basic income for
unemployed,” I became curious about the level of success Finland had experienced
in implementing the universal basic income since January 1st, and
what the outcomes meant for other countries trying to replicate the same
experiment.
Has it been a success?
The idea of supporting unemployed citizens with an unconditional
monthly income, whether or not they procure a job, sounds revolutionary with a
well-designed plan and strong governmental dedication to the program. Some say
it is too soon to tell what impact the experiment is having, but I think the success of this experiment relies on the way
individuals with different political perspectives understand its purpose and
benefits. The Center Party, currently in power in Finland, is dedicated to
austerity and streamlining governmental assistance. The Party initially backed
the experiment to promote employment and incentivize poor citizens accepting low-paying jobs. Unfortunately, as the Party makes cuts to social supports it
could increase poverty and negatively affect study participants (NY Times).
Olli Kangas who designed and runs this study compared the
Center Party’s interest in basic income to “small boys with toy cars, who
become bored and move on (The Economist).” I believe if the Party focused less
strictly on unemployment numbers, they could understand more of the short-term discoveries
this experiment has made. Understanding these developments could help renew the
Party’s engagement in the trial and its potential added benefits.
I struggle to understand why the Center Party might lose interest
in the study. Though the Party might not be drawn to the abolition of poverty
or similar leftist ideals, I do think with more time the study will provide
proof of long-term improvements to the livelihoods of study participants. This
and other benefits could certainly diminish poverty in Finland and result in
smaller unemployment numbers, a stronger economy, and the ability to deal with
increased workforce automation more readily. This trial can only be successful
if the politicians backing the study are invested for the long haul, as the
study can provide opportunity for the creation of data-driven policy on social support.
How are these experiments expanding?
It is incredibly exciting to read about the other nations,
like Italy and Canada, working to implement their own universal basic income
trials. Thus far, I believe Finland has provided a strong introductory
framework for doing so. Other nations can be successful if they are dedicated
to the ups and downs of the pilot process. Consistent dedication to the
experimentation process of basic income for a set period can provide each
nation with key pieces of information. This dedication to retrieving this data
and information can help a country’s governing body decide how to use basic
income to improve the lives of citizens and overall economic health of the
country.
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