Poverty and Living Standards in Asia

Abstract

The current concern over chronic poverty and over high and even rising income inequality in many countries of the developing world points up the need for deeper understanding of not simply the numbers of the poor but also the nature of poverty. Research into those socioeconomic and demographic characteristics that differentiate income and expenditure groups is needed to guide appropriate planning strategies. Using available income and expenditure surveys of households at the national level a project was undertaken to evaluate data on economic distribution in Asia. Analysis of findings from 8 surveys in 5 countries indicates poverty is associated with larger than average household size a higher dependency ratio; lower educational attainment less access to employment and higher unemployment. The demographic findings in particular suggest that transfer programs in the short run and voluntary fertility control in the long run may contribute to an improvement in the living standards of the poor. (Authors)