Multi-Dimensional Poverty Index: An Application to the United States

41 Pages Posted: 3 Apr 2015

See all articles by Shatakshee Dhongde

Shatakshee Dhongde

Georgia Institute of Technology

Robert Haveman

University of Wisconsin - Madison - Department of Economics; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER); IZA Institute of Labor Economics; CESifo (Center for Economic Studies and Ifo Institute)

Date Written: March 2015

Abstract

In this paper we estimate a multi-dimensional poverty index (US-MPI) in the United States. Measuring poverty using multiple dimensions of deprivation provides a more complete picture of poverty. The US-MPI measures simultaneous deprivations experienced in multiple dimensions of well-being: health, education, income and housing. We use data on eight different indicators from the American Community Survey, and estimate the US-MPI across different regions, age, gender and race. Our estimates indicate that in 2011, one in five adult American’s were multidimensional poor. Lack of health insurance and severe housing burden were two significant indicators of deprivation.

Keywords: American Community Survey, Capabilities approach, Multidimensional, Measurement, Poverty, United States

JEL Classification: D6, I32, O15

Suggested Citation

Dhongde, Shatakshee and Haveman, Robert H., Multi-Dimensional Poverty Index: An Application to the United States (March 2015). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2588584 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2588584

Shatakshee Dhongde (Contact Author)

Georgia Institute of Technology ( email )

Atlanta, GA 30332
United States

Robert H. Haveman

University of Wisconsin - Madison - Department of Economics ( email )

1180 Observatory Drive
Madison, WI 53706
United States
608-263-7398 (Phone)

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

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IZA Institute of Labor Economics

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Bonn, D-53072
Germany

CESifo (Center for Economic Studies and Ifo Institute)

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Munich, DE-81679
Germany

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