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Universal Basic Income: Inspecting the Mechanisms

Author

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  • Jaimovich, Nir

    (University of Zurich)

  • Saporta-Eksten, Itay

    (Tel Aviv University)

  • Setty, Ofer

    (Tel Aviv University)

  • Yedid-Levi, Yaniv

    (Interdisciplinary Center (IDC) Herzliya)

Abstract

We consider the aggregate and distributional impact of Universal Basic Income (UBI). We develop a model to study a wide range of UBI programs and financing schemes and to highlight the key mechanisms behind their impact. The most crucial channel is the rise in distortionary taxation (required to fund UBI) on labor force participation. Second in importance is the decline in self-insurance due to the insurance UBI provides, resulting in lower aggregate capital. Third, UBI creates a positive income effect lowering labor force participation. Alternative tax-transfer schemes mitigate the impact on labor force participation and the cost of UBI.

Suggested Citation

  • Jaimovich, Nir & Saporta-Eksten, Itay & Setty, Ofer & Yedid-Levi, Yaniv, 2022. "Universal Basic Income: Inspecting the Mechanisms," IZA Discussion Papers 15058, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp15058
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Damon Jones & Ioana Marinescu, 2022. "The Labor Market Impacts of Universal and Permanent Cash Transfers: Evidence from the Alaska Permanent Fund," American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, American Economic Association, vol. 14(2), pages 315-340, May.
    5. Roland Benabou, 2002. "Tax and Education Policy in a Heterogeneous-Agent Economy: What Levels of Redistribution Maximize Growth and Efficiency?," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 70(2), pages 481-517, March.
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    8. Hilary Hoynes & Jesse Rothstein, 2019. "Universal Basic Income in the United States and Advanced Countries," Annual Review of Economics, Annual Reviews, vol. 11(1), pages 929-958, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Nezih Guner & Remzi Kaygusuz & Gustavo Ventura, 2023. "Rethinking the Welfare State," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 91(6), pages 2261-2294, November.
    2. Gubello, Michele, 2024. "Social trust and the support for universal basic income," European Journal of Political Economy, Elsevier, vol. 81(C).
    3. Guimarães, Luis & Lourenço, Diogo, 2024. "The Imperfections of Conditional Programs and the Case for Universal Basic Income," MPRA Paper 119964, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    universal basic income; labor force participation; inequality;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E2 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment
    • E6 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook
    • J08 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - General - - - Labor Economics Policies

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