Basic Income and the Legitimization Crisis of Neoliberalism

This article conceptualizes recent momentum for basic income in the context of the legitimization crisis of neoliberalism and the dissolution of the ‘progressive neoliberal’ governing bloc that secured its hegemony for more than two decades. Through an assessment of the ideas of Friedrich Hayek and Milton Friedman, it argues that basic income is one of the few policy solutions in the mainstream discourse that improves social welfare and income security, while also remaining consistent with neoliberalism’s inner logic. Accordingly, it holds the potential to temporarily stabilize neoliberalism’s political crisis by offering a consensus issue around which a new centrist coalition could emerge. Although much of the basic income literature has focused on grassroots coalitions and synergies between left and right, it has largely overlooked the emergence of the historical forces that have pushed it onto the mainstream policy agenda.

Inequalities in income security in later age in Latin America

This paper examines inequalities in income security in later age. Three dimensions of inequality are considered: (i) inequalities in access to income support across countries and types of schemes; (ii) inequalities in the level of support within countries; and (iii) trends in gender inequality. Scheme stratification reinforces inequalities across socioeconomic groups and gender. More egalitarian, and sustainable, outcomes in later age income security in Latin America require policy reforms aimed at the incorporation of excluded groups and the withdrawal of public subsidies supporting privileged retirees.

A profile of the rural and remote older population

This chapter deals with the profile of the rural and remote older population, which is predicated on the assumptions of the diversity of the older population living in rural and remote Canada. It talks about the construction of the profile around several major themes, such as being older and living in rural and remote parts of Canada and the challenges and barriers to living in rural and remote areas. It also covers social inclusion, engagement, and ageism, and food and income security. The chapter examines the shared characteristics of the older population living in rural and remote communities that distinguish them from the urban population of Canada. It cites the higher proportions of low-income people and older people, and higher proportions of people and older people with less education, including the higher rates of smoking, obesity, and mortality.