Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/146200 
Year of Publication: 
2016
Series/Report no.: 
WIDER Working Paper No. 2016/8
Publisher: 
The United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER), Helsinki
Abstract: 
Private consumption capabilities form only one facet of comprehensive living standards assessments, but they are an important facet whose measurement should be done well. Measurement is complex due to a multitude of methodological choices, which often interact with imperfect data and a desire for comparability through time. This paper outlines ideas underpinning these choices with particular attention to the tensions between consistency and specificity. We also highlight a series of limitations associated with typical cost of basic needs approaches. Finally, we reaffirm that a 'sensibly eclectic' approach, employing multiple methods, is the best available mode for addressing these limitations.
Subjects: 
poverty measurement
utility consistency
cost of basic needs
JEL: 
C13
I32
O12
Persistent Identifier of the first edition: 
ISBN: 
978-92-9256-051-5
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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