Universal Basic Income: The Social Policy Upgrade for the Future, a Meta-Synthesis

Abstract

This study illustrates that poverty takes an intense toll on every aspect of an individual’s existence and that getting access to sufficient resources is the key to a thriving and healthy life that adds value to a society. The importance of understanding how best to alleviate the stressors are both empathic to the individuals and practical with regards to policy solutions. A universal basic income can show us the way forward. Using a qualitative meta-synthesis approach on poverty and universal basic income literature, the synthesized data will show how UBI is better suited to help alleviate poverty stressors than current policy. Hypothesizing that three major themes will emerge from the sample data (n=14), that of mental and physical health, self-sufficiency, and stigma. Those themes did emerge, as did additional themes and sub-themes but are grouped into a “other” category for future research. These themes are highlighted as failed goals and unintended negative aspects of current social safety net programs in the United States. Meanwhile the data suggests that implementation of a UBI would not only be more apt to achieve desired results, but that the current programs in the U.S. tend to inflame the traumas of poverty by provoking additional reasons to be in an ongoing state of mere survival. This study pursues the complex narratives and themes that are major obstacles in eliminating poverty and provide a starting place for reformation of theories that build social safety nets within the U.S.