Differences between Universal Basic Income and Job Guarantee: can they be compatible?

Abstract

The Universal Basic Income and the Job Guarantee are two policy proposals that, based on different philosophical conceptions, share the same central objective: to end extreme poverty by guaranteeing the material existence of all citizens. However, the means to achieve this objective are substantially different, which is undoubtedly due to a different conception of how the State should intervene in society. The Universal Basic Income, which guarantees an income to everyone without exception, places the focus on the freedom of citizens, who, thanks to the universally recognized economic income, could develop their lives autonomously without financially depending on those who have more means and resources. On the other hand, the Job Guarantee, which ensures decent employment for everyone, focuses on the social and economic benefits of full employment and collectively organized work. This is not the only difference between the two policies. This article aims to summarize the most important differences and similarities considering the existing literature, which is necessary and crucial to analyze how they could be compatible, which is the final target of this work