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Measuring Social Vulnerability among Low-Income Households in the Republic of Moldova: A Methodological Perspective

Author

Listed:
  • Ecaterina Heghea

Abstract

The article proposes a methodological approach to assessing the social vulnerability of low-income households in the Republic of Moldova, grounded in the statutory subsistence minimum. In the context of persistent inflation, demographic ageing, migration and social instability, the need for accurate tools to identify and support vulnerable groups has become critical. The study aims to develop and test the Income-Based Vulnerability Index (IBVI), an adapted model that integrates three components: the ratio of disposable income to median national income, the share of social transfers and a contextual indicator related to access to basic services. By combining these dimensions, the IBVI captures both monetary poverty and broader risks of social exclusion, especially among households with elderly members and children. The model is compared with international methodologies, such as the Social Vulnerability Index (United States) and the AROPE indicator (European Union), highlighting its simplicity and stronger suitability for Moldova’s socioeconomic realities. The illustrative results confirm the IBVI as a practical and flexible tool for monitoring living conditions and guiding more equitable social policies, while also indicating directions for refinement through expanded indicators and empirical validation.

Suggested Citation

  • Ecaterina Heghea, 2026. "Measuring Social Vulnerability among Low-Income Households in the Republic of Moldova: A Methodological Perspective," Economic Studies journal, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences - Economic Research Institute, issue 3, pages 166-183.
    • Handle: RePEc:bas:econst:y:2026:i:3:p:166-183
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    File URL: https://archive.econ-studies.iki.bas.bg/2026/2026_03/2026_03_09.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Cristina Davino & Marco Gherghi & Silvia Sorana & Domenico Vistocco, 2021. "Measuring Social Vulnerability in an Urban Space Through Multivariate Methods and Models," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 157(3), pages 1179-1201, October.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I32 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Measurement and Analysis of Poverty
    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs
    • C43 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods: Special Topics - - - Index Numbers and Aggregation

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