SYNTHESIZING RESEARCH ON UBI

I found through my research of UBI that people of all socioeconomic statuses respond to incentives in predictable ways. Those who do not desire to work will not do so if given no incentive, and work increases under UBI only if UBI provides the worker with enough financial relief to pursue their true passion, or a higher education. On the other end of the economic ladder, the rich very much enjoy being rich, and will take any opportunity to remain rich that is open to them, even if that means slightly higher taxes to prevent widespread dissatisfaction causing a revolution. There are benefits and there are issues with UBI, both stemming from incentives. Whether or not UBI gives an incentive to work depends on both the individual and on the societal attitude towards work in general. For example, in the pilot study done in Finland, some artisans were able to lift themselves out of poverty and work after being provided enough security to not have to worry about bills. However, the culture of Finland and the attitude towards work there is vastly different than in the United States. UBI provides another incentive, too, but this time to the billionaires than would fund it--in the United States, it would give them vast political leverage and keep the economy going because poor people would now have money to spend, ensuring that the rich will always remain rich.