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Universal Basic Income: Inspecting the Mechanisms

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  • Jaimovich, Nir
  • Saporta-Eksten, Itay
  • Setty, Ofer
  • Yedid-Levi, Yaniv

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," CEPR Discussion Papers 16996, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:16996
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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. 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
    • J8 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Standards

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