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Multidimensional poverty in South Africa in 2001-2016

Author

Listed:
  • Tina Fransman

    (Department of Economics, University of the Western Cape)

  • Derek Yu

    (Department of Economics, University of the Western Cape)

Abstract

This study uses the Census 2001 and 2011 as well as Community Survey 2007 and 2016 data to derive a multidimensional poverty index (MPI) in South Africa for each year, before assessing the changes in non-money-metric, multidimensional poverty over time. Both the incidence and intensity of multidimensional poverty decreased continuously, and these declines were more rapid than that of money-metric poverty. The decrease of multidimensional poverty between 2001 and 2016 was most rapid for female Africans residing in rural areas in Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. Multidimensional poverty was most serious in numerous district councils (DCs) in these two provinces, despite the fact that poverty decline was also most rapid in these DCs. The results of the MPI decomposition indicated that Africans contributed more than 95% to multidimensional poverty, while unemployment, years of schooling and disability were the three indicators contributing most to poverty.

Suggested Citation

  • Tina Fransman & Derek Yu, 2018. "Multidimensional poverty in South Africa in 2001-2016," Working Papers 07/2018, Stellenbosch University, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:sza:wpaper:wpapers300
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Multidimensional poverty; Multidimensional poverty index; South Africa;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J30 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - General
    • J32 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Nonwage Labor Costs and Benefits; Retirement Plans; Private Pensions

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