Antipoverty

Antipoverty refers to policies, programs, and movements aimed at reducing poverty and its consequences. It encompasses measures to raise incomes, expand access to basic services, and address the social determinants of poverty, such as education, health, housing, and employment opportunities. Antipoverty initiatives may operate at the international, national, or local level and often combine cash transfers, in-kind assistance, and investments in human capital and infrastructure.

Historically, antipoverty efforts have evolved from early noncontributory relief to organized social protection systems and targeted development programs. After World War II, many countries established social safety nets; since the 1980s, debates have intensified around the design of programs, targeting, and cost.

Approaches include direct cash transfers or subsidies, universal basic income or universal programs, public works and job guarantee schemes, subsidized healthcare and education, housing assistance, and microfinance. A key distinction is between universal programs, which cover broad populations, and targeted programs aimed at the poorest or most vulnerable. Programs are often complemented by policies to promote inclusive growth, labor market access, and noncash supports such as nutrition, sanitation, and social services.

Measurement of antipoverty uses income-based indicators (poverty headcount and consumption), multidimensional measures (MPI), and composite indices like the Human Development Index. International comparisons rely on poverty lines, household surveys, and national accounts. Policy design emphasizes cost-effectiveness, governance, and minimizing incentives for leakage or dependency.

Global efforts include the Sustainable Development Goals and international organizations such as the World Bank, IMF, United Nations, and regional bodies.

See also: Poverty, Social protection, Welfare state, Inequality, Development economics.