An Updated Measure of Poverty: (Re)Drawing the Line (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780309697392)

An accurate measure of poverty is necessary to fully understand how the economy is performing across all segments of the population and to assess the effects of government policies on communities and families. In addition, poverty statistics are essential in determining the size and composition of the population whose basic needs are going unmet and to help society target resources to address those needs.

An Updated Measure of Poverty: (Re)Drawing the Line recommends updating the methodology used by the Census Bureau to calculate the Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM) to reflect household basic needs. This report recommends that the more comprehensive SPM replace the current Official Poverty Measure as the primary statistical measure of poverty the Census Bureau uses. The report assesses the strengths and weaknesses of the SPM and provides recommendations for updating its methodology and expanding its use in recognition of the needs of most American families such as medical care, childcare, and housing costs.

Author: National Academies of Sciences Engineeri, Division of Behavioral and Social Scienc, Committee on National Statistics
ISBN-10: 0309697395
ISBN-13: 9780309697392
Publisher: National Academies Press
Language: English
Published: 08/25/2023
Pages: 150
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.94lbs
Size: 11.01h x 8.50w x 0.40d