Measuring and Assessing Multidimensional Poverty across the world

The objective of this research project is twofold. First, it aims at constructing a new index of multidimensional poverty, which could address some of the shortcomings of the existing measures. This new index intends to also support the work of policy-makers in the decision over the allocation of resources. Second, it plans to use this indicator in order to understand better poverty trajectories for different regions, countries and social groups; and to investigate the role that different social and economic policies play.

Project Lead:
Francesco Burchi

Project Team:
Pooja Balasubramanian
Malerba, Daniele

Montenegro, Claudio E.
Espinoza Delgado, Jose Luis

Time frame:
2019 - 2023 / ongoing

Co-operation Partner:

Department of Development Economics, University of Göttingen
Department of Economics, Roma Tre University

Project description

The importance of a shift from an exclusive monetary approach to poverty to a multidimensional one is highlighted in the 2030 Agenda. The measurement of multidimensional poverty, however, remains a challenge. This project intends to provide a substantial contribution in this area, by developing and testing a new, theoretically and methodologically sound, indicator for low- and middle-income countries. Moreover, the project will make use of this new measure in order to: 1) examine the static and dynamic relationship between income and multidimensional poverty across a multitude of countries; 2) analyze country and regional trends in multidimensional poverty; 3) test current gender disparities in poverty and the claim of a feminization of poverty; 4) investigate the evolution of the rural-urban differences in multidimensional poverty; 5) explore the role of economic and social policies.

Publications

Project Coordination

Susanne Wessig