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In order to address the negative aspects of capitalism, governments have created institutions such as the welfare state. Even with these programs, Matt Bruenig, a researcher of poverty at the Demos think tank, said in a Washington Post article that a Universal Basic Income (UBI) may be the best approach to “secure freedom and prosperity for all.”

According to Bruenig, most wealth being controlled by a small segment of the population has made the majority in the United States forced to submit to their employers’ demands. While labor protection helps alleviate some concerns, Bruenig still believes that the only way to fully eliminate this type of coercion is through a UBI, giving employees the ability to say no.

Those who are most vulnerable are often the ones that fall into poverty. Supplementing the current welfare state with a UBI would help ensure that no one gets left behind, Bruenig said.

Matt Bruenig, “Tired of capitalism? There could be a better way.” Washington Post, Sept. 30, 2015.