This book investigates the theoretical underpinnings and practical applications of poverty lines as a measure of deprivation. Martin Ravallion, a leading economist in the field of poverty research, draws upon extensive empirical data and theoretical frameworks to analyze how poverty lines are constructed, interpreted, and utilized globally. The work critically examines the challenges in defining and measuring poverty, considering both absolute and relative approaches, and their implications for policy and development.

This book is recognized as a foundational text in the study of poverty measurement, offering a rigorous examination of both theoretical concepts and practical challenges. Ravallion's work is frequently cited in academic literature concerning development economics and social policy. The book is valued for its comprehensive scope and its critical engagement with the complexities of defining and addressing poverty on a global scale.