The work dimension in multidimensional poverty measurement

Journal article

We propose a conceptual and applicable framework for incorporating a work-related dimension—specifically poor-quality employment—into internationally comparable Multidimensional Poverty Indices (MPIs). Building on the capability approach, we argue that employment must be understood not solely as a source of income, but as a vital domain through which individuals achieve well-being, exercise agency, and access social rights. Despite this, poor-quality employment remains largely unaccounted for in global poverty measures. Through a critical review of the job quality literature and international measurement efforts, we identify five core domains of work-related deprivation: access to employment, monetary compensation, contractual security, employment stability, and working conditions. We assess their conceptual validity, data availability, and policy relevance, and outline criteria for selecting indicators within each domain. We also highlight methodological challenges—such as data harmonization, deprivation thresholds, and normative variability across contexts—and offer a structured questionnaire proposal for integration into standard household and labour force surveys. We argue that embedding a poor-quality employment dimension into MPIs would enable more accurate identification of the working poor and strengthen the capacity of poverty measures to inform policies aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 8, advancing a more inclusive and human-centered understanding of poverty.

Authors: Apablaza, M; Nogales, R; Sehnbruch, K

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Springer
• Journal: Social Indicators Research
• Volume: 183
• Issue: 2
• Article number: 25
• Publication date: 2026-06-08
• Acceptance date: 2026-05-26
• DOI: 10.1007/s11205-026-03867-z
• EISSN: 1573-0921
• ISSN: 0303-8300
• Language: English
• Keywords: multidimensional poverty; capability approach; poor-quality employment; job quality indicators; labour market deprivation