Pursuing Social Justice: How Might a Universal Basic Income or Federal Jobs Guarantee Help Women?

Abstract

Welfare policies in the United States reinforce sexism, racism, and classism, and thereby oppress women. When discussing alternative policies, scholars and political players should not just consider economic consequences. They should also emphasize the social consequences of potential policies, namely how effectively they would combat women’s oppression. In this paper I consider two proposed policies, federal jobs guarantees (FJG) and universal basic income (UBI). I use the framework established in ​Justice and the Politics of Difference​ by Iris Marion Young and her explanation of the five faces of oppression to evaluate how FJG and UBI may help or harm women. I also analyze recent public opinion polling and FJG and UBI pilot programs to determine the likelihood of the U.S. implementing similar policies. This paper answers the following questions: Which policy, FJG or UBI, would more effectively lessen women’s oppression? Which is more likely to be implemented? Should those concerned with women’s oppression favor UBI, FJG, or a combination of the two? My theoretical analysis shows that UBI would more effectively combat women’s oppression, but public opinion polling and international pilot programs suggest that FJG is more likely to be implemented. This presents a dilemma for advocates who wish to prioritize vulnerable groups’ needs while focusing on realistic goals. The social justice framework I adopt in this paper helps to resolve these conflicts. Using this framework, I conclude that UBI should remain a long-term goal in our transition to a more just society because it more effectively combats women’s oppression. Still, political advocates should take seriously other policies such as FJG which still account for women’s needs and reduce harm done to them. These conclusions contribute to ongoing debate over these policies and demonstrate how researchers and advocates can analyze policies within a social justice framework that prioritizes the needs of our most vulnerable populations.