Universal Basic Income meets basic needs: A qualitative analysis of cognitive-affective maps

Antonia Heinzmann, Michel de Wall, Andrea Kiesel, Wilhelm Gros and Lisa Reuter

No 01-2026, FRIBIS Discussion Paper Series from University of Freiburg, Freiburg Institute for Basic Income Studies (FRIBIS)

Abstract: The concept of a Universal Basic Income (UBI) was explored using a content structuring qualitative analysis to identify needs and need relevant aspects and classifying whether their satisfaction was perceived as favored or endangered by UBI. The analyses was based on 62 online-collected Cognitive-Affective Maps (CAMs) on the topic "personal attitudes associated with UBI". Maslow's classification of five basic human needs served deductively as reference theory (Maslow, 1943). By inductively differentiating the a priori categories, a comprehensive category system of main and subcategories was developed. Most frequently expressed were the Needs for Safety and Self-Actualization as well as the need-relevant aspect of Justice. Physiological and Social Needs were mentioned least often. The majority of codings were classified as benefiting from UBI; within Safety and Justice-related Needs the classification differed depending on the respective subcategories. Insights into the qualitative approach of CAMs were gained and implications for future research on UBI derived.

Keywords: cognitive-affective maps; Maslow; needs; need satisfaction; qualitative content analysis; universal basic income (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:zbw:fribis:339588

DOI: 10.6094/FRIBIS/DiscussionPaper/15/01-2026

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