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Added by: Clotilde TorregrossaAbstract:
I argue that, in the currently gender‐unjust societies a basic income would not advance feminist goals. To assess the impact of a social policy on gender justice I propose the following criterion: a society is gender‐just when the costs of engaging in a lifestyle characterized by gender‐symmetry (in both the domestic and public spheres) are, for both men and women, smaller or equal to the costs of engaging in a gender‐asymmetrical lifestyle. For a significant number of women, a basic income would increase the costs of leading gender‐symmetrical lifestyles because it would make it easier for both women and men to pursue gender‐unjust preferences. I argue that preference satisfaction is distinct from justice. I conclude by showing why a basic income would lead to further privatisation of caregiving, and I outline the negative effects this would have on women.
Comment: This is a short and accessible text that would lend itself well to a debate on the merits of a universal basic income, and as such could be read in a seminar, perhaps alongside another piece arguing in favour of a UBI. It could feature in a course on political philosophy or in a course dedicated to gender and feminism.
Gheaus, Anca. Basic Income, Gender Justice and the Costs of Gender-Symmetrical Lifestyles
2008, Basic Income Studies 3(3)
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