Individuals and their families
This chapter examines the changing family patterns in the UK and argues that a benefits system containing a Citizen's Basic Income would go a long way towards meeting the needs of families and households, now and in the future. It first considers the ways in which households and the family have changed during the past half century, citing the ‘flexible employment market’ which gives rise to ‘whole communities in which it is very difficult to establish and maintain families’, and how a Citizen's Basic Income would enable households to benefit from the economies of scale that they generate. It then discusses the changing role of women and asks what kind of benefits system will most benefit women and enhance individual dignity. Finally, it describes the ways in which women are affected by the current tax and benefits structure and the ways they might be affected by a Citizen's Basic Income.