Multidimensional Measurement of Poverty Among Employed Women in Antalya

Abstract

The aim of this study is to identify the poverty levels of “employed women” living in 5 central districts of Antalya and are among the disadvantaged groups with a measurement method that includes social dimensions. Poverty is measured by using the Alkire-Foster (multidimensional poverty index) method rather than monetary indicators such as incomeconsumption expenditure and by taking socioeconomic indicators such as education, health, and the physical structure of the household into account. To put it another way, the multidimensional poverty approach eliminates the deficiencies of monetary poverty measures in explaining welfare. For this purpose, a field study conducted through the face-toface survey method with 400 employed and married women living in Antalya in September 2020 forms the basis for the poverty analysis. 27 indicators representing the dimensions of the socioeconomic structure, employment, income, health, empowerment, social assistance, migration, physical security, and inclusion, without feeling embarrassed, are used in order to reveal the multidimensional poverty of working women. According to the findings of the study, income and employment are the dimensions in which women in Antalya experience the most deprivation. From this perspective, it is clear that income, particularly employment, should be prioritized in order to alleviate women’s poverty in this city. For example, policies aimed at increasing women’s educational attainment (positive discrimination) may make it easier for them to enter the labor market and, as a result, change their standing at work. Furthermore, expanding their economic liberties can help them enhance their socioeconomic level and gain access to better living conditions.