Abstract This paper empirically explores the effects of an unconditional basic income (UBI) on labour power for marginalised and precarious workers in Indian slums. Drawing on mixed-methods research over an 18-month pilot, we find that a modest, time-limited UBI does little to unsettle the structural forces that shape labour choices for those in ‘indecent’ work. At the level and duration it was trialled, the UBI neither served wage-replacement nor alternative-generating functions to generate movement out of such labour relations. However, even at this level, we find significant positive effects, with the UBI providing material, social and psychological resources to improve workers’ agency and their ability to improve the conditions and organisation of their work. We also find notable improvements in their self-esteem, resilience and aspirations in relation to life and work. We argue that this has significant policy implications, and for the theoretical framing of discussions around UBI and labour.
Mathur et al. (Fri,) studied this question.