Is this the most recent discussion on this debate? Last year, new study published that I think it is important to include.
In this paper, Robert Allen demonstrates that using GDP data to assess poverty causes major distortions, best way to determine long-term trends is to examine historical consumption statistics. He creates a basic needs poverty level that is roughly similar to the World Bank’s $1.90 limit, and calculates the amount of people living below it in three main regions.
There’s one observation from Allen’s paper that’s worth pointing out. Allen finds that the $1.90/day (PPP) line is lower than the level of consumption of enslaved people in the United States in the 19th century. The poverty threshold Pinker uses is below the level of enslavement according to this. Not many people would accept this as a reasonable benchmark for “better” in a civilized society.
Is this the most recent discussion on this debate? Last year, new study published that I think it is important to include.
In this paper, Robert Allen demonstrates that using GDP data to assess poverty causes major distortions, best way to determine long-term trends is to examine historical consumption statistics. He creates a basic needs poverty level that is roughly similar to the World Bank’s $1.90 limit, and calculates the amount of people living below it in three main regions.
There’s one observation from Allen’s paper that’s worth pointing out. Allen finds that the $1.90/day (PPP) line is lower than the level of consumption of enslaved people in the United States in the 19th century. The poverty threshold Pinker uses is below the level of enslavement according to this. Not many people would accept this as a reasonable benchmark for “better” in a civilized society.