The evolution of thinking about poverty: exploring the interactions

Tracing the broadening of definitions and measurements of poverty: a means to reduce poverty?

This paper considers the evolution of thinking about poverty since Rowntree's classic study of poverty in England at the turn of the last century. It highlights the progressive broadening of the definition and measurement of poverty, from command over market-purchased goods (income) to other dimensions of living standards such as longevity, literacy and healthiness, and , most recently, to concerns with risk and vulnerability, and powerlessness and lack of voice.

The paper argues that:

While there is a correlation between these different dimensions, this broadening changes significantly our thinking about strategies to reduce poverty
A broader definition expands the set of policies that are relevant to the reduction of poverty. But the broadening also emphasizes that poverty reducing strategies must recognize the interactions among the policies.

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The evolution of thinking about poverty: exploring the interactions