Exploring Basic Income in a Changing Economy Teach-Out

William Elliott III is a professor and founder of the Center on Assets, Education, and Inclusion in U-M’s School of Social Work. He received his PhD and master’s in social work from George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis, MO. He received his bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Geneva College in Beaver Falls, PA. He is also director of the Joint PhD Program in Social Work and Social Sciences at U-M.

Dr. Elliott is a non-resident senior research fellow for New America’s Asset Building program. He was awarded the 2014 Distinguished Recent Contributions in Social Work Education and the 2016 University of Kansas Scholarly Achievement Award.

He is a leading researcher in the fields of children's savings and college debt. However, is research interests are broadly focused on public policies related to issues of economic inequality and social development.

Numerous news and media outlets such as the National Journal, PBS Newshour, national public radio, U.S. News and World Reports, Washington Monthly, The Washington Post and others have featured his work. His research has served as the impetus for Children’s Savings Account (CSA) programs and policies across the U.S.

In this segment you will hear Willie explain the difference between income and wealth and why this distinction is important for a conversation about poverty and inequality.

Reflection Questions

As we watch the video, let's think about the following:

• Do you agree with this perspective and proposed solution? Why or why not?
• Is significant wealth inequality an acceptable or desirable condition in a fair society? Why or why not?
• If you are participating from a country other than the US, how is this dynamic reflected in your society?