"The precariat is the new dangerous class, an underclass which has no secure place in the world."
The quote by Guy Standing refers to a "precariat" as a new social class characterized by precarious, unstable, and insecure employment conditions. This underclass lacks the security found in traditional employment, leading to potential social instability due to economic vulnerability. It's a warning about the growing number of people who struggle with job insecurity, impacting their lives and society as a whole.
"Universal Basic Income is not a welfare for the poor but a Citizens' Income for all."
Guy Standing, in this quote, emphasizes that Universal Basic Income (UBI) is not just about alleviating poverty or providing welfare to the disadvantaged; rather, it is a fundamental right for every citizen. He views UBI as a 'Citizens' Income', a form of income given unconditionally to every individual irrespective of their employment status or wealth. This approach recognizes each person's equal dignity and ensures that everyone has the basic means to participate actively in society, fostering economic security, equality, and freedom.
"Capitalism without decency is barbaric; we can't let it rule unopposed."
The quote by Guy Standing highlights the importance of human decency within capitalism, suggesting that an economic system solely driven by capitalism (without regard for ethics or fairness) can lead to inhumane outcomes. He stresses that we should not allow such a system to dominate without opposition, implying the need for societal checks and balances to ensure capitalism promotes justice, equality, and humanity. In essence, he is advocating for a compassionate, equitable, and fair form of capitalism.
"The precariat has no voice, no rights, no security and no future."
The quote highlights the plight of a significant segment of society known as the "precariat," people who live in constant insecurity due to unstable or irregular employment. Standing's words suggest that these individuals are denied basic rights, protections, and prospects for a stable future, leaving them voiceless and powerless in the face of societal structures and economic systems. This quote underscores the urgent need for policies and reforms aimed at addressing the issues faced by this marginalized group, ensuring they are not left behind in our rapidly changing world.
"The market doesn't care about the dignity of labor or social justice. It cares only for profit."
This quote by Guy Standing highlights the disconnect between the capitalistic system (represented by "the market") and human values such as dignity in labor and social justice. He suggests that the primary goal of a market economy is to maximize profits, which often leads to exploitation or disregard for the well-being and fair treatment of workers or communities. This implies a critique of unrestrained capitalism, urging for a more balanced approach that prioritizes human dignity and social justice alongside economic growth.
Across Europe, not just in the U.K., the old Beveridge and Bismarckian variants of the welfare state have been dismantled. In their place has been erected a mish-mash of means-tested, behaviour-tested social assistance, with a growing tendency to force young unemployed into workfare schemes, which are helping to depress real wages.
- Guy Standing
A democratically governed national fracking fund should be set up, perhaps similar to what Norway and Alaska have. Areas of drilling should be rented to companies through public tender, with or without subsidies, and a rising share of profits beyond a negotiated upper limit should be deposited in the national capital fund.
- Guy Standing
The precariat consists of a growing proportion of our total society. It is being habituated to accept a life of unstable labour and unstable living. Often they're unable to say what their occupation is, because what they're doing now might be quite different from what they were doing three months ago.
- Guy Standing
Magna Carta only came into being in 1217, when the wording had been changed and parts of the original were extended in the Charter of the Forests. This complementary charter covered liberties granted to the common man, including rights to the commons, grazing, fishing, water, and firewood, and was perhaps the first ecological charter in history.
- Guy Standing
Using political power, the elite can induce local authorities to facilitate enclosure and privatisation of land, water, and other hitherto public amenities. And they can pressurise public administrations to cut taxes, reducing financial resources for maintaining the remaining commons.
- Guy Standing
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