What you left out is that the Mincome program also lowered hospital visits and work-related injuries. Yes, I hear you saying, "of course, less work == less work

What you left out is that the Mincome program also lowered hospital visits and work-related injuries. Yes, I hear you saying, "of course, less work == less workplace injuries." But what's important is the effect fewer injuries has on productivity. This happened with the 40 hour workweek laws introduced by the New Deal. Fewer injuries, better productivity numbers over the long run. [1] This study was short-lived and should at least be repeated with better controls before we make blanket statements about what will and won't work. You also gloss over the fact that it allowed mothers to stay home with their children. The benefit to society and productivity of stronger families shouldn't be understated. Finally, you assume that people would stop cutting lawns, nursing, and providing childcare – why? 1: The Rise and Fall of American Growth: http://press.princeton.edu/titles/10544.html http://press.princeton.edu/titles/10544.html