C-19: Redefining the State of Welfare?

Abstract

Major crises, such as wars and pandemics, have often been the occasion for radical reconstruction of the welfare system. It is very likely that the COVID-19 pandemic will also do this because it will bring discontent with the existing system to a head and reveal ts weaknesses, particularly as regards its central element, Universal Credit. Major public debate has already begun. In that conversation, one idea that is bound to have a lot of support and has a "head start" is that of a Guaranteed Minimum Income, also known as Universal Basic Income. However, there are strong doubts or objections to that idea, from all parts of the spectrum, and several rival ideas. The debate cannot be a purely technical one because it touches upon fundamental questions, which have also been raised by the impact of the coronavirus: the place of the home and household, the importance and nature of work, and the role of civil society and voluntary action.