Are the poor, as one writer suggests, only those without enough to eat? Or does poverty instead consist of "the inability to buy a beer when everyone else has one"? These two volumes provide a comprehensive summary and annotated bibliography of the issues associated with the definition and measurement of poverty. The discussion is organized around eleven topics in the areas of economics, political science, and sociology. Included are such diverse subjects as the historical evolution of poverty definitions (How did Karl Marx and Adam Smith define poverty?); the "index number" problem; and regional differences in poverty measurement. The annotated bibliography, including both articles and books, primarily covers material written after 1950.

This volume is an annotated bibliography of the issues associated with the definition and measurement of poverty. The discussion is organized around several topics in the areas of economics, political science, and sociology.

Each year's poverty figures are anxiously awaited by policymakers, analysts, and the media. Yet questions are increasing about the 30-year-old measure as social and economic conditions change. In Measuring Poverty a distinguished panel provides policymakers with an up-to-date evaluation of: Concepts and procedures for deriving the poverty threshold, including adjustments for different family circumstances. Definitions of family resources. Procedures for annual updates of poverty measures. The volume explores specific issues underlying the poverty measure, analyzes the likely effects of any changes on poverty rates, and discusses the impact on eligibility for public benefits. In supporting its recommendations the panel provides insightful recognition of the political and social dimensions of this key economic indicator. Measuring Poverty will be important to government officials, policy analysts, statisticians, economists, researchers, and others involved in virtually all poverty and social welfare issues.