Measurement of Poverty (Research Monograph): Poverty Measurement & Policy Implications: 65 - Softcover

Niemietz, Krystian

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0255366388 ISBN 13: 9780255366380

Publisher: Institute of Economic Affairs, 2011

Synopsis

This ground-breaking study on the measurement of poverty shows how policy in this field has taken a wrong turn with disastrous results. 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. One perverse result of such relative poverty measures amongst many is that poverty often declines in a serious recession when the better paid lose their jobs. 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. Such a strategy would focus not only on ensuring economic growth and more labour market participation, but also on supply-side reforms that would reduce the cost of living for the poor. 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.

About this title

About the Author

Dr Kristian Niemietz is the Head of Health and Welfare at the Institute of Economic Affairs, and a Research Fellow at the Age Endeavour Fellowship (AEF). Kristian studied economics at the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and the Universidad de Sala-manca, and political economy at King's College London, where he obtained his doctorate. He is the author of the IEA monographs Redefining the Poverty Debate and A New Understanding of Poverty, the latter winning the 2011 Templeton Freedom Award in the category 'Free Enter-prise Solutions to Poverty'.

Edition details

• Publisher: Institute of Economic Affairs
• Publication date: 2011
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0255366388
• ISBN 13: 9780255366380
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 252