Poverty Comparisons

Poverty comparisons--such as assessment of whether poverty has increased, or where it is greatest are typically clouded in conceptual and methodological uncertainties. How should individual well-being be assessed in deciding who is poor? Is a household survey a reliable guide? Where should the poverty line be drawn, and does the choice matter? This monograph surveys the issues that need to be considered in answering these questions. "Poverty Comparisons" provides an accessible introduction to the most recent literature. The strengths and weaknesses of past methods are discussed, and a summary of methodological recommendations is given. A number of new analytical tools are described which can greatly facilitate poverty comparisons, recognizing the uncertainties involved. Martin Ravallion is Principal Economist of the Poverty Analysis and Policy Division at the World Bank, Washingtin DC, USA' to 'Poverty comparisons--such as assessment of whether poverty has increased, or where it is greatest are typically clouded in conceptual and methodological uncertainties. How should individual well-being be assessed in deciding who is poor? Is a household survey a reliable guide? Where should the poverty line be drawn, and does the choice matter? This monograph surveys the issues that need to be considered in answering these questions. "Poverty Comparisons" provides an accessible introduction to the most recent literature. The strengths and weaknesses of past methods are discussed, and a summary of methodological recommendations is given. A number of new analytical tools are described which can greatly facilitate poverty comparisons, recognizing the uncertainties involved.