On the Definition and Measurement of Chronic Poverty

As an alternative to the conventional methods for measuring chronic poverty, this paper proposes to use an interpersonal comparable measure of permanent income as a basis for defining and measuring chronic poverty. This approach accounts for the fact that individuals may undertake inter-period income transfers if it is to their advantage. Moreover, it allows for individual-specific interest rates on borrowing and saving as well as for the presence of liquidity constraints. Due to its general nature the proposed method proves useful for evaluating the theoretical basis of the standard methods for measuring chronic poverty.