News reports often separate economic and social issues. Yet the term, socio-economic, dating back to the 1880s, indicates a linkage. And a strong political connection exists between economic and social issues.

Recent public opinion polling shows that the economy, followed by job creation, remains the dominant issue for voters. These attitudes are not surprising in a time of chronic job insecurity, stagnant wages, and shredded social safety nets. How do we as a nation make sure people have a decent standard of living regardless of work status or economic conditions?

Polling results reveal that our economy today no longer works for vast numbers of average Americans. The rich and powerful have more wealth and power than ever. Between 2009 and 2011, income fell for ninety-nine percent of the population while it rose eleven percent for the top one percent. The behavior of many one-per centers brought on the financial crisis. Yet they received a government bailout, and now their wealth continues to skyrocket once again. Meanwhile, working people find themselves floundering, trapped in economic misery.

Responses to the economic crisis in the political arena vary. Republicans tend to worship markets and demonize government. For them, economic recovery involves an austerity program, dismantling or scaling back universal social welfare programs, cutting taxes, reducing regulations, and ending collective bargaining.

Democrats strive to advance the common good and human rights for all. For them, restoring material security means shoring up social programs while promoting good jobs and wages, government regulations, and unions.

In his final book, Martin Luther King wrote that the problem of economic inequality can be addressed by creating full employment or creating guaranteed income. He recognized the critical economic role of consumption, which today accounts for nearly three quarters of our economy.

King called for a “revolution of values.” We need the social vision to pay adequate wages to every American worker regardless of their job title. Every American family should have an adequate and livable income.

King saw the guaranteed annual income as the simplest and most effective way to eliminate poverty. In order for the guaranteed income to function as a “consistently progressive measure,” requires “two conditions.” It must be based on “the median income of society, not at the lowest levels of income.” Also it must be indexed for inflation, “automatically increasing as the total social income grows.”

Today’s advocates of a guaranteed basic income see it as a viable policy of economic justice/fairness. People with a basic income can more easily care for their families, stay healthy, and improve their education. The money they spend stimulates the economy by increasing the demand for goods and services, by bringing more workers into the labor force, and by boosting tax revenues. The benefits to society include better educational outcomes, decreased mental illness, and a decline in social ills like domestic abuse and criminal activity.

While news accounts often measure the economy by the Dow Jones Industrial Average, the economic measurement that matters for most people remains whether enough Americans hold jobs with decent pay and benefits. A low-work, low-wage economy, with most people struggling to meet their basic needs and a few people living in luxury, threatens our democracy.

Americans want a sustained economic recovery and a government that will work to achieve it. Everyone should have access to employment, health care, food, housing, and a decent standard of living.

The political and cultural struggles waged by liberals have significantly contributed to making American society more humane and less oppressive. The progress made in securing basic human rights for blacks, women, the elderly, the disabled, immigrants, and gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgendered people stands as a testament to their courage and commitment.

Ralph Scharnau teaches U. S. history at Northeast Iowa Community College, Peosta.  He holds a Ph.D. from Northern Illinois University.  His publications include articles on labor history in Iowa and Dubuque.  Scharnau, a peace and justice activist, writes monthly op-ed columns for the Dubuque Telegraph Herald.