Income inequality is a persistent economic issue that affects millions of people worldwide. One of the most widely discussed solutions is Universal Basic Income (UBI)—a system where the government provides all citizens with a fixed amount of money, regardless of employment status or income level. Proponents argue that UBI reduces poverty, empowers individuals, and provides a financial safety net, while critics claim it disincentivizes work, leads to higher taxes, and is economically unsustainable. This project challenges students to engage in an in-class debate on whether UBI is an effective solution to economic inequality.

Students will be divided into two teams. One team will argue in favor of UBI, emphasizing how it helps eliminate extreme poverty, provides financial security, and allows individuals to pursue education, entrepreneurship, or caregiving without the fear of financial ruin. They should examine real-world UBI experiments in Finland, Canada, and Namibia, where governments tested the impact of direct cash payments on economic stability and well-being.

The opposing team will argue against UBI, highlighting potential economic drawbacks, such as reduced workforce participation, inflation risks, and the need for substantial government funding. They should explore case studies where UBI programs were either unsuccessful or discontinued due to financial constraints, as well as theoretical concerns about whether people would still choose to work if they received free income.

A key focus of this debate is analyzing whether UBI is a viable long-term solution to economic inequality. Students should investigate different funding models, such as tax increases, wealth redistribution, or automation taxes, and assess whether these approaches would be sustainable in both developing and developed economies.

The debate will conclude with a class discussion on whether UBI should replace traditional welfare programs or if alternative economic solutions—such as progressive taxation, job guarantees, or targeted social programs—are better suited to address inequality. The goal of this project is for students to develop a critical understanding of the economic, social, and political implications of UBI and whether it can serve as an effective tool for reducing inequality.