UC Irvine

The research investigates the relationship and genealogy of neoliberalism to basic income. Using neoliberal theory, the study analyzes the impacts of basic income on the already neoliberal welfare system using a recent basic income experiment, the Stockton Economic Empowerment Demonstration, as a case study. The data collected consists of interviews, newspaper articles, social media posts, and web searches. The findings show that while basic income has material benefits, the demonstration structure is neoliberal. It is essential to analyze the basic income demonstration in Stockton to understand the role of neoliberalism in basic income and prospective policy implications.