Each year's poverty figures are anxiously awaited by policymakers, analysts, and the media. Yet questions are increasing about the 30-year-old measure as social and economic conditions change.


In Measuring Poverty a distinguished panel provides policymakers with an up-to-date evaluation of:




Concepts and procedures for deriving the poverty threshold, including adjustments for different family circumstances.
Definitions of family resources.
Procedures for annual updates of poverty measures.


The volume explores specific issues underlying the poverty measure, analyzes the likely effects of any changes on poverty rates, and discusses the impact on eligibility for public benefits. In supporting its recommendations the panel provides insightful recognition of the political and social dimensions of this key economic indicator.


Measuring Poverty will be important to government officials, policy analysts, statisticians, economists, researchers, and others involved in virtually all poverty and social welfare issues.

Table of Contents


Front Matter
Summary and Recommendations
1 Introduction and Overview
2 Poverty Thresholds
3 Adjusting Poverty Thresholds
4 Defining Resources
5 Effects of the Proposed Poverty Measure
6 Other Issues in Measuring Poverty
7 Use of the Poverty Measure in Government Assistance Programs
8 The Poverty Measure and AFDC
APPENDIX A Dissent
APPENDIX B Data Sources for Measuring Poverty
APPENDIX C The Interdependence of Time and Money
APPENDIX D Assistance Programs for People with Low-Incomes
References and Bibliography
Biographical Sketches of Panel Members and Staff
Index