Where did identification go?

Abstract

We recently introduced a general method for measuring poverty when there are multiple dimensions [1, 2] and provided a specific cross-country implementation (the MPI) as part of the 2010 Human Development Report [4, 11] to complement existing methods. Our piece in the June issue of the Journal of Economic Inequality sought to clarify the presentation and address possible misunderstandings [3]. The present note responds to Martin Ravallion’s paper in the same issue and also benefited from contributions by other authors in this Forum. We value this exchange and vigorous debate and hope it will ultimately lead to better measures and policies.