Poverty in Maranhão: an analysis based on a multidimensional perspective

Abstract

This article aims to measure and characterize the phenomenon of multidimensional poverty in the state of Maranhão. Considering that the state is the poorest in Brazil in monetary terms, the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) and its comparison with the poverty lines are used to discuss the potential of a multidimensional approach to poverty. To calculate the MPI, data from the sample component of the 2010 Census were used. The MPI was constructed with four dimensions (Education, Health, Work and Living Standard) and 13 indicators. The results allow us to identify a very small incidence of multidimensional poverty compared to monetary poverty, which implies a focus on situations of acute poverty, associated with simultaneous and difficult to overcome deprivations, which are not necessarily associated with income deprivation. By decomposing the index, the need to combat poverty through public policies and social projects aimed at infrastructure is pointed out, particularly access to drinking water, sanitation, and domestic waste treatment, and at the formalization of work and improvement of education of the adult population.