It’s hard to be optimistic if you look at current trends in employment. When new jobs appear they’re more likely to be low paying, low skilled ones, than the other way around. Just a few things that have contributed to this dire situation are globalization, automation, outsourcing, and yes, even robots. Everything on that list has had a crushing impact for millions looking for available work at decent wages.
So, am I writing all this just to depress you? No, quite the opposite. Acknowledging these facts should make you want to look for solutions. One idea that is being flouted as an answer is the “Basic Income.” What is the Basic Income? The main idea is that every living person would get a defined monthly income. That is an oversimplification of the concept, and if you haven’t already, we urge you to check out Dianna Gunn’s wonderful piece on the Basic Income. It clearly and simply explains the different ways the Basic Income would be implemented.
The Basic Income could be a way to repair the social fabric that gets torn when economic forces put people into wildly differing financial circumstances. This week’s clip gives a nice quick look at why it’s being seriously considered by multiple countries. You may be surprised who has endorsed this concept. The video will explain. Enjoy.