Absolute poverty lines

TY - UNPB

T1 - Absolute poverty lines

AU - Arndt, Channing

AU - Mahrt, Kristi

AU - Tarp, Finn

N1 - JEL classification: C13, I32, O12

PY - 2016

Y1 - 2016

N2 - Private consumption capabilities form only one facet of comprehensive living standards assessments, but they are an important facet whose measurement should be done well. Measurement is complex due to a multitude of methodological choices, which often interact with imperfect data and a desire for comparability through time. This paper outlines ideas underpinning these choices with particular attention to the tensions between consistency and specificity. We also highlight a series of limitations associated with typical cost of basic needs approaches. Finally, we reaffirm that a ‘sensibly eclectic’ approach, employing multiple methods, is the best available mode for addressing these limitations.

AB - Private consumption capabilities form only one facet of comprehensive living standards assessments, but they are an important facet whose measurement should be done well. Measurement is complex due to a multitude of methodological choices, which often interact with imperfect data and a desire for comparability through time. This paper outlines ideas underpinning these choices with particular attention to the tensions between consistency and specificity. We also highlight a series of limitations associated with typical cost of basic needs approaches. Finally, we reaffirm that a ‘sensibly eclectic’ approach, employing multiple methods, is the best available mode for addressing these limitations.

KW - Faculty of Social Sciences

KW - C13

KW - I32

KW - O12

M3 - Working paper

SN - 978-92-9256-051-5

T3 - UNU WIDER Working Paper Series

BT - Absolute poverty lines

PB - UNU-WIDER

CY - Helsinki, Finland

ER -