Why a citizens' basic income? A question of gender equality or gender bias

Abstract

Current debates concerning the future of social security provision in advanced capitalist states have raised a citizens' basic income as a possible reform package: a proposal based on the principles of individuality, universality and unconditionality, ensuring a minimum income guarantee for all members of society. Arguments in favour of a citizens' basic income have traditionally been contrived within a fixed set of parameters associated with a particular view of the principles of economic organization.That is, a citizens' basic income is considered a model for social security reform that conforms to market based structures of exchange, particularly those associated with the market for labour, and as such contributes positively to the efficient functioning of capitalist economies. This article highlights the 'gender blind' nature of such debates and presents a case for a citizens' basic income based on a more inclusive notion of citizenship.