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Asset-based measurement of poverty

Author

Listed:
  • Andrea Brandolini

    (Bank of Italy)

  • Silvia Magri

    (Bank of Italy)

  • Timothy M. Smeeding

    (Institute for Research on Poverty and La Follette School of Public Affairs,University of Wisconsin-Madison)

Abstract

Poverty is generally defined as income or expenditure insufficiency, but the economic condition of a household also depends on its real and financial asset holdings. This paper investigates measures of poverty that rely on indicators of household net worth. We review and assess two main approaches followed in the literature: income-net worth measures and asset-poverty. We provide fresh cross-national evidence based on data from the Luxembourg Wealth Study.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrea Brandolini & Silvia Magri & Timothy M. Smeeding, 2010. "Asset-based measurement of poverty," Temi di discussione (Economic working papers) 755, Bank of Italy, Economic Research and International Relations Area.
    • Handle: RePEc:bdi:wptemi:td_755_10
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    poverty indicators; income; wealth;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D13 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Household Production and Intrahouse Allocation
    • I32 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Measurement and Analysis of Poverty

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