title: Parallel realities: exploring poverty dynamics using mixed methods in rural Bangladesh.
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.
authors.affiliation: Social Development Research Initiative, Bath, UK.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Davisa
authors.forename: Bob
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Baulch
mesh_terms: D001459:Bangladesh / Q000208:ethnology; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000191:economics / Q000266:history / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D011203:Poverty / Q000191:economics / Q000208:ethnology / Q000266:history / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology; D011204:Poverty Areas; D011632:Public Assistance / Q000191:economics / Q000266:history / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D012423:Rural Health / Q000266:history; D012424:Rural Population / Q000266:history; D012923:Social Class / Q000266:history; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors / Q000266:history