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The measurement properties of multidimensional poverty indices for children: lessons and ways forward

Abstract:
This paper considers the measurement properties of indices used to measure multidimensional child poverty in the developing world. Two indices are considered in detail: the Alkire Foster method (Alkire & Foster 2010) and the 'categorical counting' method as exemplified by UNICEF poverty indices based on methodologies by Gordon et al. (2003) and De Neubourg et al. (2013). This analysis examines the underlying differences between the two methodologies in two stages. First, using hypothetical data we consider the differences in measurement properties that arise from the axiomatic construction of indices using a laboratory approach. Second, we use harmonized Demographic and Health Surveys data from three countries to examine how the properties found in the laboratory data lead to actual differences in the measurement of the prevalence of multidimensional poverty within and across countries, and the ability of indices to monitor changes in the prevalence of multidimensional poverty. The paper concludes by considering the findings from the analysis and how they could be taken forward in future measurements of poverty prevalence and reduction in Sustainable Development Goals targets and indicators.
Publication status:
Published
Peer review status:
Peer reviewed

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Institution:
University of Oxford
Division:
Social Sciences Division
Department:
International Development
Role:
Author


Publisher:
Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative
Journal:
OPHI Working Papers More from this journal
Issue:
115
Pages:
1-31
Publication date:
2018-03-08
Acceptance date:
2018-03-01
ISSN:
2040-8188


Language:
English
Keywords:
Pubs id:
pubs:828369
UUID:
uuid:305be691-6c39-4c2a-aa8c-7e182c7567a4
Local pid:
pubs:828369
Source identifiers:
828369
Deposit date:
2018-03-08

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