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Measuring and Monitoring Poverty and Well-Being: A New Approach for the Synthesis of Multidimensionality

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  • Vincenzo Mauro

    (University of Florence)

  • Mario Biggeri

    (University of Florence)

  • Filomena Maggino

    (University of Florence)

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to introduce a new approach for the synthesis and analysis of multidimensional poverty and well-being indicators. Our general perspective is inspired by the theoretical foundations of the capability approach and sustainable human development paradigm. The new synthesis of indicators aims at monitoring outcomes of units of interest. Its defining features include: full sensitiveness, continuity, flexibility in substitution between dimensions, and the straightforward interpretation of the results. All these properties are obtained through a transparent and accountable process that is fully open to public scrutiny and reason (as suggested by Amartya Sen). The main contribution of this approach is that the degree of substitutability between dimensions can be directly linked to the general level of well-being of a person, which addresses the so-called “inescapable arbitrariness” issue discussed by Anand and Sen (Concepts of human development and poverty: a multidimensional perspective. Human Development Papers. UNDP, New York, 1997). The new synthesis proposed opens up new possibilities for different types of applications, including monitoring and evaluating development programmes.

Suggested Citation

  • Vincenzo Mauro & Mario Biggeri & Filomena Maggino, 2018. "Measuring and Monitoring Poverty and Well-Being: A New Approach for the Synthesis of Multidimensionality," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 135(1), pages 75-89, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:soinre:v:135:y:2018:i:1:d:10.1007_s11205-016-1484-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s11205-016-1484-1
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    18. Graziella Bonanno & Filippo Domma & Lucia Errico, 2022. "Income Inequality And Inner Areas. A Study On The Italian Case," Working Papers 202203, Università della Calabria, Dipartimento di Economia, Statistica e Finanza "Giovanni Anania" - DESF.
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    25. Gai, Lorenzo & Bellucci, Marco & Biggeri, Mario & Ferrone, Lucia & Ielasi, Federica, 2023. "Banks’ ESG disclosure: A new scoring model," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 57(C).

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