This paper aims to analyze, specifically for the context of the Palestinian territories, which conceptions and definitions of poverty best understand the situation, so that efficient measurement methods can be derived from them. For reasons that will be explained throughout the paper, a combination of poverty mapping as well as an adapted version of the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), originally conceived in 2011 by Sabina Alkire and James Foster, is proposed as the best option to measure poverty in the Palestinian territories.
To answer the research question, the second section will highlight the study area of Palestine and point out its specifics, particularly in relation to poverty. Theoretical concepts and measurement methods are then presented (Section 3), which form the basis for approaches that the author believes best measure the situation in the Palestinian territories. After discussing the possibilities and limitations of the chosen measurement method (Section 4), a conclusion (Section 5) rounds off the work and summarizes the main findings.
Table of Contents
Section 1: Introduction
Section 2: Specific characteristics of the Palestinian territories
Section 3: Conceptualizing and measuring poverty
Section 4: Case study on measuring poverty in the Palestinian territories
Section 5: Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper aims to analyze which conceptions and definitions of poverty are most suitable for the context of the Palestinian territories to derive efficient measurement methods. The central research question focuses on determining the most accurate approach to measure poverty in a region characterized by conflict, political fragmentation, and unique administrative divisions.
- Theoretical conceptualization of poverty and its multidimensional nature.
- Impact of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and territorial fragmentation on living conditions.
- Evaluation of the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) within the Palestinian context.
- Significance of poverty mapping and data integration from household surveys and census records.
- Assessment of the National monetary poverty line in relation to international standards.
Excerpt from the Book
Section 2: Specific characteristics of the Palestinian territories
Conflict, along with the current Corona pandemic and climate change, is one of the greatest challenges in the fight against poverty. For this reason, the World Bank compiles an annual list of so-called Fragility and Conflict Situations (FCS) which is a "classification of low- and middle-income countries affected by fragility and conflict" (WBG, 2021b). According to this, the Palestinian territories are categorized as 'High institutional and social fragility' due to the presence of UN peace-building and political missions in the territories (WBG, 2021). In fact, the UN observation and peacekeeping mission UNTSO in Israel and Palestine was established as early as 1948 due to the unrest at the establishment of Israel, making it the longest UN mission still ongoing.
The conflict between Israel and the Palestinian territories is what is likely to shape living conditions on the ground the most while poverty is the most important predictor of conflict (Sorli et al., 2005) and, conversely, conflict fuels poverty. Because of its religious significance for both Christian, Jewish and Muslim people, the region of what is now Israel and the Palestinian territories has been a frequent site of conflict, displacement and, since 1948, war and violence between Israelis and Palestinians - most recently, after a seven-year ceasefire, in May of this year. Both sides do not shy away from violence and terrorist attacks and legitimize their actions with ideological-religious justifications, which makes rapprochement or even reconciliation between the two sides difficult. Although no one can call themselves the victor, the distribution of power is clearly in favor of the Israelite side, since it holds the power of government in Israel and is internationally recognized.
Chapter Summaries
Section 1: Introduction: This chapter introduces the global relevance of poverty reduction efforts and establishes the necessity of a context-specific definition and measurement approach for the Palestinian territories.
Section 2: Specific characteristics of the Palestinian territories: This chapter examines how the ongoing conflict, geopolitical instability, and administrative fragmentation significantly impact living conditions and the local poverty landscape.
Section 3: Conceptualizing and measuring poverty: This chapter reviews theoretical definitions of poverty, contrasting absolute monetary lines with multidimensional approaches such as the MPI to determine suitability for specific regional contexts.
Section 4: Case study on measuring poverty in the Palestinian territories: This chapter analyzes the practical application of poverty measurement in Palestine, focusing on the role of the PCBS, poverty mapping, and the adaptation of the MPI to local realities.
Section 5: Conclusion: This chapter synthesizes the findings, arguing that a combination of multiple measurement methods is essential to capture the complex, multidimensional nature of poverty in the region.
Keywords
Poverty, Palestinian territories, Multidimensional Poverty Index, MPI, Poverty mapping, World Bank, PCBS, Conflict, Living conditions, Socioeconomic data, Fragility, Humanitarian aid, Economic indicators, Social well-being, Data collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper focuses on identifying the most accurate methods to measure poverty specifically within the unique context of the Palestinian territories, considering the interplay between local living conditions and political challenges.
What are the main thematic fields addressed?
The work covers poverty conceptualization, the influence of regional conflict and territorial fragmentation, the application of statistical survey methods, and the evaluation of multidimensional poverty metrics.
What is the central research question?
The research question asks: "What is the most accurate way to measure poverty in the Palestine Territories?"
Which scientific methods are employed?
The paper utilizes a methodology review, comparing conventional monetary poverty lines with multidimensional approaches, and analyzes the integration of poverty mapping with census and household survey data (PECS).
What does the main body of the text cover?
It provides an overview of the regional characteristics, theoretical discussions on defining poverty, a case study on Palestinian statistical practices, and an analysis of specific indicators used in the local MPI.
Which keywords best describe the paper?
Key terms include Poverty, Palestinian territories, MPI, Conflict, Poverty mapping, and Socioeconomic indicators.
How does the Palestinian MPI differ from the global version?
The Palestinian MPI includes context-specific dimensions such as 'Employment', 'Safety and use of assets', and 'Personal freedom', and weights the National monetary poverty line as a distinct 20% component.
Why is poverty mapping considered necessary for this region?
Poverty mapping is essential because the region is geographically fragmented; spatial disparities in poverty levels are so high that household-level data alone cannot sufficiently describe the situation in small, disadvantaged areas.
- Citar trabajo
- Isabel Thoma (Autor), 2021, Measuring Poverty in the Palestinian Territories, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1168824
