Parallel Realities: Exploring Poverty Dynamics Using Mixed Methods in Rural Bangladesh

Type Journal Article - The Journal of Development Studies
Title Parallel Realities: Exploring Poverty Dynamics Using Mixed Methods in Rural Bangladesh
Author(s)
Volume 47
Issue 1
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2011
Page numbers 118-142
URL http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00220388.2010.492860?journalCode=fjds20#.VFJSx_msX84
Abstract
This paper explores the implications of using two methodological approaches to study poverty dynamics in rural Bangladesh. Using data from a unique longitudinal study, we show how different methods lead to very different assessments of socio-economic mobility. We suggest five ways of reconciling these differences: considering assets in addition to expenditures, proximity to the poverty line, other aspects of well-being, household division, and qualitative recall errors. Considering assets and proximity to the poverty line along with expenditures resolves three-fifths of the qualitative and quantitative differences. Use of such integrated mixed-methods can therefore improve the reliability of poverty dynamics research.

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