Child poverty: a multidimensional measurement

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to evaluate poverty among children using a multidimensional concept of child poverty.

Design/methodology/approach

In light of this conceptualization, the paper applies methodological framework that uses fuzzy set theory to evaluate deprivation intensity among children. It also investigates the socio‐demographic and economic characteristics that most affect deprivation risk by estimating a discrete choice model.

Findings

Results show that children included in large families or with uncommon compositions are particularly at risk. Unemployment of parents also plays an important role in determining deprivation. Children's deprivation is particularly affected by issues related to education, health, housing and social integration.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a concept that is child‐cantered. It also constructs measures of child poverty/deprivation based on specific child indicators of well‐being. Finally uses the paper econometric techniques to evaluate socio‐demographic and economic attributes in determining deprivation odds.

Citation

Bastos, A. and Machado, C. (2009), "Child poverty: a multidimensional measurement", International Journal of Social Economics, Vol. 36 No. 3, pp. 237-251. https://doi.org/10.1108/03068290910932738