Legitimizing basic income in developing countries: Brazil, or "the answer is blowin' in the wind"

Abstract

A well-designed guaranteed income as a citizen's right is one of the instruments of economic policy that may contribute to a developing nation in building a just and civilized society. It is compatible with the objectives of making the economy more competitive as well as eradicating poverty and promoting a more equitable distribution of income. The paper shows how the debate has evolved and describes the experiences of minimum income programs related to education, also called Bolsa Escola programs, which may be seen as steps toward the unconditional basic income. Economists all over the world are beginning to favor that concept: regardless of origin, age, sex, race, civil, or socioeconomic condition, everyone will have the right to be a partner of the common property of the nation, receiving a modest income that will guarantee more freedom and dignity for all.

Keywords:

• BASIC INCOME
• BOLSA ESCOLA
• BRAZIL
• CITIZEN'S INCOME
• ERADICATING POVERTY
• SOUTH AFRICA