Re-democratizing the Economy
The recent global economic crisis, and the dominant austerity response of national and international governing bodies, has vastly increased economic inequality, poverty, financial insecurity and social exclusion across the globe. Individuals and families in both the developing and developed world are experiencing tremendous vulnerability and powerlessness against an economy seemingly spiraling out of control. Many believe the time has now come to radically rethink our response to the crisis and its resulting precariousness, and the structural organization of the economic fabric in our societies.
BIEN Congress 2014 aims to explore the role a universal and unconditional basic income could play in re-democratizing our economy. The congress brings together academics, activists, policy makers, political representatives, NGOs, and interested members of the general public to discuss and debate issues arising from the introduction of a basic income.
Topical streams of inquiry include (but are not limited to) the following considerations:
- Which economic, social, political or environmental changes would re-democratizing the economy require?
- How would the institution of a basic income guarantee promote re-democratizing the economy, nationally or globally?
- How would the combination of a (more) economic democracy and a basis income ensure ecological sustainability?
- Which revenue models would help support a re-democratized economy?
- How can we boost the political support for basic income at a time of inequality, austerity and economic exclusion?
- What democratic and citizenship implications can we expect from a basic income guarantee?
- What are the legal and constitutional implications of the right to a basic income?
