the book
Shares in America™
The Case for a Universal Basic Income
Shares in America - the Book
The Case for Universal Basic Income
America’s problem isn’t prices. It’s paychecks.
The United States is one of the richest countries in history, producing more than $190,000 in income per household. Shares in America asks a simple question: if rising productivity made the nation so wealthy, why aren’t most people sharing that prosperity?
Drawing on economic history and modern data, the book shows how technology, automation, and policy choices have weakened the link between work and income. Productivity soared, wages stagnated, inequality widened, and economic risk was pushed onto workers and their families. Traditional safety-net programs proved too limited, complex, and politically fragile to keep up.
Shares argues that the time has come to adopt a solution long supported by economists across the political spectrum: a universal basic income - “Shares in America.” By giving every American a direct stake in the nation’s productive wealth, UBI would reduce poverty, expand freedom, stabilize the economy, and ensure that technological progress benefits everyone.
Shares in America
About the author
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Richard Frenkel gained his understanding of economics in both academic settings (at Boston University and MIT) and in real-world jobs (including working in a shoe factory, managing in the corporate world, and running a profitable IT firm). He’s written reports for MIT’s Center for Policy Alternatives and several books about world and US economics.
A longtime resident of Swampscott, Massachusetts, Richard regularly participates in town meetings and committees, where nonpartisan civic engagement is alive and well. He strongly believes that Americans can make our future better. He’d love to hear from you at SharesInAmerica.com.
What readers say
Insights from our supporters
Frenkel makes an excellent case for universal basic income. He takes you through his rationale point by point, using history and data to support his position. I found this book engaging, informative, and powerful.
Sara Rosinsky
Solopreneur
As a former self-employed individual, the thought of a universal basic income did not appeal to me. The book enlightened me to the advantages of a UBI and although still skeptical I am now open to the possibility. A definite great read for those intrigued by the concept.
Michael Burgess
Retired construction company owner
In Shares for America Frenkel provides a succinct and accessible discussion of universal basic income; A topic often misunderstood but one that we all need to understand.
Neal DeChillo
Professor Emeritus
Salem State University
