Increasing inequality and the yawning gap between rich and poor are provoking criticism of the economic system. This timely volume is the first to discuss both examples of and prospects for basic income, a system of cash transfers, and a new approach to inequality that is gaining in popularity. The book considers experiments in and examples of basic income in such diverse countries as the USA, Namibia and Brazil before looking at the prospects for the introduction of basic income into some other regions and countries, such as East Timor, New Zealand, Germany and South Africa. It provides expert and informative discussion of the operation and forms of basic income in very different social, economic and political circumstances, the improvements it brings to people's lives and the difficulties, challenges and problems that it faces.

Matthew C. Murray is Special Lecturer of Philosophy at Providence College, USA and received his PhD in Political Theory from Cardiff University, Wales, where he also served as Associated Lecturer. Dr Murray has published work and has continuing research interests in distributive justice, approaches to disability and basic income studies. Carole Pateman is Distinguished Professor of Political Science Emeritus, UCLA, USA, and Honorary Professor, Cardiff University, Wales. She was President of the American Political Science Association, 2010-11. Her books include Participation and Democratic Theory, The Sexual Contract and most recently (with Charles Mills) Contract and Domination. She has a longstanding interest in basic income.