"This book is about an idea that has a long and distinguished pedigree, the idea of a right to a basic income. This means having a modest income guaranteed - a right without conditions, just as every citizen should have the right to clean water, fresh air and a good education." "The case for and against the right to basic income security is considered in this book. It argues that there should be a guaranteed basic income as a citizenship right, paid to each individual, regardless of marital status, work status, age or sex. Some chapters argue that existing selective schemes for income protection are ineffectual, costly and misleading: other chapters present alternative rationales and philosophical justifications for moving towards a new form of universalism based on citizenship economic rights." "Promoting Income Security as a Right, whose contributors include many distinguished economists, philosophers and other social scientists from across Europe and the USA, will appeal to academics and policymakers alike."--BOOK JACKET.