Year: 2003
Type: report
Abstract: We evaluate consumption and income measures of the material well-being of the poor.We begin with conceptual and pragmatic reasons that favor income or consumption.Then, we empirically examine the quality of standard data by studying measurement error and under-reporting, and by comparing micro-data from standard surveys to administrative micro-data and aggregates.We also compare low reports of income and consumption to other measures of hardship and well-being.The closer link between consumption and well-being and its better measurement favors the use of consumption when setting benefits and evaluating transfer programs.However, income retains its convenience for determining program eligibility.
DOI: 10.3386/w9760
Authors: Bruce Meyer, James Sullivan
Institution: University of Notre Dame
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2891785047