A new understanding of poverty
Subtitle: poverty measurement and policy implications
By: Kristian Niemietz
Contributors: Institute of Economic Affairs (Great Britain)
Series: Research monographs / Institute of Economic Affairs -- 65; Research monographs (Institute of Economic Affairs (Great Britain)) -- 65.
Publisher: Institute of Economic Affairs
Published: 2011
Place of publication: London
Language: eng
Number of pages: 247
ISBN-13: 9780255366380
Subjects: Poverty; Research; Measurement
Description: In recent years, poverty has generally been understood in "relative" terms. That is, people are regarded as poor if they earn less than some benchmark relative to average earnings. The policy response of income transfers, which are used to address the perceived problem of relative poverty, has often led to serious problems that actually reduce long-term opportunities for poorer people. The author proposes an entirely new way of measuring poverty. If this measure were applied, public policy would orientate itself towards creating the conditions that allowed the poor to become better off. This monograph is essential reading for all involved in the poverty debate. Its approach to the measurement of poverty and its policy conclusion are original and soundly based on evidence.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references: p. 222-244.

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