Is basic income an alternative to social security?

Abstract

In the face of the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 epidemic, discussions on basic income are becoming active again. Basic income theorists say that AI and robots will eliminate jobs and that the introduction of basic income will be inevitable. But the problem is social security. The principle of a 'welfare state' must work in social security. The welfare state is based on mutual aid and social solidarity. It is a system in which citizens put taxes and insurance premiums into the community's piggy bank, and people who need them take them out according to the size they need. The entire nation saves money in piggy banks, but the n received is always a small number. The salary is generous because n is small. I don't take it right away, but I can always go and get help when I'm in danger and a need for social recognition arises. But there are no piggy banks in basic income countries. Everyone shares it as it is. It cannot be more equal than this, but the salary is inevitably low because there are many ns. And there is no social solidarity or mutual aid. The state just plays the role of Robin Hood. The contrast of redistribution varies by income level, and there is no social security or welfare. This is why social security cannot be left to basic income now and in the future. In addition to global economic inequality, socioeconomic polarization is intensifying in Korea, and basic income is drawing attention as an alternative system that can contribute to resolving economic injustice amid concerns over employment loss caused by digital technology innovation.