Here's Why Poverty Should Be Measured By More Than Income

Posted November 29, 2016

External Article: State of Opportunity

Shatakshee Dhongde, assistant professor in the Ivan Allen College School of Economics, was quoted in “Here's Why Poverty Should Be Measured By More Than Income” by State of Opportunity.

Excerpt:

When people talk about poverty, the conversation typically revolves around the economic condition of a household. Even here at State of Opportunity, our definition of poverty never strays too far from a discussion of income.

For example, if a family of four earns less than $24,000 a year, they live below the poverty line. If they make more than $24,000, they live above the poverty line.

Simple, right?

But according to a new study from Georgia Tech, poverty should be measured by more than income.

The study, "Multi-Dimensional Deprivation in the U.S.," found that there are multiple dimensions of poverty, and while many Americans may not fall below the poverty line, they still face multiple deprivations that could affect them just as adversely.

For the full article, read here.