Poverty and the ‘Population Problem’

Abstract In this chapter, we address three aspects of poverty and the ‘population problem’ from an economic perspective. First, we investigate the statistical basis for the oft cited positive correlation between poverty and household size. Second, we re-examine the conflicting economic and demographic interpretations of this correlation. And third, we examine whether restricting attention just to the household level misses an important aspect of the problem. We cite evidence from Bangladesh to suggest that many of the most pressing issues are at the level of individuals, and concern the deprivation of girls and women within households.