June 1998

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Citizen’s Income model

A citizen’s income is an income unconditionally granted to all on an individual basis, without means test or work requirement. In other words, it is a form of minimum income guarantee that differs from those that now exist in various European countries through its being paid (1) to individuals rather than households; (2) irrespective of any income from other sources; and (3) without requiring the performance of any work or the willingness to accept a job if offered.

There are variations of this basic proposition. One has been presented by Jan Otto Andersson of Åbo Akademi University in Finland. Andersson suggests a combination of Citizen’s Income and Citizen’s Wage. The former would be paid to all legal residents, whereas the latter would be restricted to those participating in activities which society wants to encourage. Through the Citizen’s Income society would enhance real freedom of its members. Through the Citizen’s Wage it would encourage activities deemed advantageous for society as a whole.

See also:

            Archbishop of Finland supports Citizen’s Income (June 1998)


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