Poverty and welfare policies

Abstract

Definitions of poverty are concerned either with subsistence levels or inequality. However both are hard to define. With particular reference to nutritional requirements the author discusses the inadequacies of measurements of poverty and quotes from several reports from 1937 onwards. Nutritional needs must allow for individual preference and requirements, the actual food distribution within a family and changing food habits and prices. The 'necessary' minimum income depends on society's changes in attitude, as does inequality. The use of a poverty line definition often masks partial poverty and ignores those families which pass in and out of poverty. Selective benefits based on means tests are inadequate. Poverty defined as minimum levels sufficient to meet basic needs is unrealistic. A basic nutritional policy is required.