Unconditional cash transfers and the five turnarounds: beneficiaries’ perspective

Published 2024 – As part of the Earth4All project, collaborators have submitted deep-dive papers to delve further into the issues and solutions needed to transform our economic system and provide an equitable future for all on a finite planet. 

This is the third paper in a series of three arguing for a universal basic dividend (UBD) as a form of basic income that is derived from the use of the commons, authored by Ken Webster. In this paper, the author closes the loop by asking about the evidence from trials of cash transfers, resembling a basic income. The author explores the implementation and impact of these trials, addressing questions about spending patterns, personal and family decision-making, as well as their implications for inclusion and empowerment. The ultimate aim is to discern how, at scale, a UBD might align with Earth4All’s ambitious five turnarounds. 

Authors: Ken Webster, Laura Bannister, Dr. Sarath Davala