Persuasive Essay: Peer Review Worksheet

Zachary LaGier

Grand Canyon University

PHI105: 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

Monica Perrone

December 6, 2020

The Need for Universal Basic Income in America

When someone thinks of universal basic income (UBI), the first thing that comes to mind might be socialism or free money; however, this is far from the complete truth as UBI can help support those in dire financial or emotional need and it can create equality in an increasingly diverging economic society. The idea of a UBI has been around for a long time, but it has never been the most supported policy in American government. Some trials and implementation of UBI have occurred throughout the world; most notably in Alaska where every citizen gets a certain amount of money per month from the government due to the income from the oil and gas industry. The program has also shown to benefit those with mental health problems and it can also assist those who lost their job transition to a new one. UBI has recently come back into the spotlight after many notable figures such as Andrew Yang, Tulsi Gabbard, and Elon Musk mentioned their support for the policy. The COVID-19 pandemic has also brought attention to the policy due to the number of individuals struggling to get by. The implementation of a UBI in the American government is crucial as it lifts people out of poverty, creates opportunity to seek help for those suffering from mental health issues, and it supports transitioning to a new job.

Poverty

One of the reasons why UBI needs to be implemented in the United States is because it provides a reasonable solution to the ever-increasing poverty levels. The poverty levels in America have been increasing due to the COVID-19 pandemic and this has caused substantial unemployment and increasing social unrest. A UBI, as seen in Alaska, could be the answer Americans have been desperately searching for. Alaska’s statewide UBI is known as the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD). It has provided an income to all of its residents and because of this, poverty levels for rural Alaska Indigenous people from 2011-2015 have decreased by 22%. The PFD has also reduced poverty levels among rural Indigenous Alaskan seniors by more than 40% (Berman, 2018). UBI has shown that it can benefit the poor by providing a social safety net in order to help prevent precariousness (Morley et al., 2019). UBI plays an impactful role in lifting people out of poverty and it also offers solutions to those consistently suffering from mental health problems.

Mental Health

Mental health has been a significant concern for many during the COVID-19 pandemic and UBI can help solve this problem. COVID-19 not only poses a physical danger to humanity’s health, but a psychological threat as well (Rose et al., 2020). Psychological issues have always been a problem in America; however, things have gotten worse due to people being confined to their homes and isolated from their friends and families. UBI aids people with mental health issues by removing some of the stress in their lives. This includes offering solutions to upcoming expenses, financial and housing security, and access to psychological and mental health services (Rose et al., 2020). With access to mental health services, people would be able to relieve some of the anxiety and worry in their life and thus would help people make it through this pandemic. Mental health problems put a strain on millions of Americans and a UBI would help alleviate some of this suffering while also assisting those who are in the middle of transitioning to a new job.

Job Transition

Job loss is a serious concern for many in America and a UBI can help those people transition to a new career. Insecurity and job loss in the work environment has been created by inequalities in the capitalistic society, economic division between the rich and the poor, and by technological developments in artificial intelligence and automation (Morley et al., 2019). UBI alleviates some of the stress of trying to find a job right away since people will have access to a steady source of income. “…UBI might address the problems identified with our current system, provide a more ethical response to the precariat, and generally contribute to a more socially just society” (Morley et al., 2019, p. 11). The impact UBI has on people who are in between jobs is immense as it helps provide them with a much-needed steady income and less overall stress.

Conclusion

UBI’s implementation in the United States would provide assistance to those who are experiencing financial trouble, psychological issues, and trouble with finding a new job. Overall, UBI would be a great solution to the ongoing issues in America. It has been shown through the Alaskan PFD that UBI can provide real and valuable solutions to those in need. UBI provides easier access to mental health services which can help people recover and rebuild their lives. This policy also assists with the transition process between jobs and it can allow people to feel less stressed about finding a new job so quickly. UBI provides real solutions to real problems and while it is by no means a perfect policy, it is necessary that America takes action now or it will continue to suffer from the effects of increasing economic inequality, mental health issues, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

References

Berman, M. (2018). Resource rents, universal basic income, and poverty among Alaska’s Indigenous peoples. World Development, 106, 161–172. https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2018.01.014

Morley, C., Ablett, P., & Mays, J. (2019). Universal basic income: What difference might it make? Social Alternatives, 38(2), 11–18.

Rose, N., Manning, N., Bentall, R., Bhui, K., Burgess, R., Carr, S., Cornish, F., Devakumar, D., Dowd, J. B., Ecks, S., Faulkner, A., Ruck Keene, A., Kirkbride, J., Knapp, M., Lovell, A. M., Martin, P., Moncrieff, J., Parr, H., Pickersgill, M., … Sheard, S. (2020). The social underpinnings of mental distress in the time of COVID-19 - time for urgent action. Wellcome Open Research, 5, 166. https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.12688/wellcomeopenres.16123.1