Comparable global multidimensional adult and child poverty measurement, David Gordon (Bristol Poverty Institute, University of Bristol)

All countries have agreed to try to eradicate child and adult poverty during the 21st Century. If they are successful, this will represent humanity’s greatest achievement. Good anti-poverty policy requires good measurement to help target resources where they are most needed and to monitor progress. It is unlikely that poverty will be eradicated if it cannot be accurately measured. Unfortunately, there are currently no poverty measures which can be used in all countries (low, middle & high income).
There are four main prerequisites which are required to produce valid, reliable and comparable individual level multidimensional poverty estimates in all countries - given the huge differences in cultural and living standards between and within countries.
1. A theory and definition of poverty which is universally applicable in all societies
2. A method which automatically adapts to measure the realities of the lives of poor people in the country/society where they live.
3. A method which can produce comparable estimates of the extent and depth of poverty even when the different questions/indicators are used in different countries and/or for different age groups e.g. children, working age adults, older people.
4. A method which produces demonstrably valid/accurate and reliable/precise poverty measurement.