UNIVERSAL BASIC INCOME: A SOCIAL EXPERIMENT IN REDUCING POVERTY AND PROMOTING ECONOMIC JUSTICE IN THE CONTEXT OF TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS

Abstract

Universal Basic Income (UBI) has emerged as a transformative policy concept aimed at addressing poverty, economic inequality, and the impact of rapid technological advancements. This paper explores the viability of UBI as a social experiment in reducing poverty and promoting economic justice. The study evaluates UBI’s potential in light of technological disruption in the labor market, examining its theoretical underpinnings, implementation challenges, and case studies. Through a detailed review of UBI’s impacts on poverty alleviation, social welfare, and economic growth, this paper proposes that UBI could serve as a tool for redistributing wealth in an era of automation and artificial intelligence (AI). The study draws on global UBI trials and empirical data to assess the feasibility and implications of such an approach in Pakistan and similar emerging economies. In conclusion, this paper offers policy recommendations for integrating UBI into national welfare systems, with a focus on its sustainability and long-term benefits in promoting economic justice.