The measurement and alleviation of poverty - a review of some issues

Abstract

Some aspects of the recent literature on poverty are reviewed. Although the issues of definition and measurement have been studied in depth the summary measures most widely used in policy discussion remain flawed. They should be superceded by better summary measures which exist or by more detailed information. The evaluation of anti-poverty policies requires that much more than their direct impact be considered. Evidence on their incentive effects and broader macroeconomic effects from the US and UK confirm that they exist but does not confirm that they are quantitatively large.