Are some groups more vulnerable to macroeconomic shocks than others? Hypothesis tests based on panel data from Peru

Type Journal Article
Title Are some groups more vulnerable to macroeconomic shocks than others? Hypothesis tests based on panel data from Peru
Author(s)
Volume 56
Issue 1
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 1998
Page numbers 181-206
URL http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6VBV-3W36788-9/2/cb2dbfc5c94fe47eb29cfa9c6a5e1179
Abstract
Which socio-economic groups are most vulnerable to welfare declines during a macroeconomic shock? After clarifying the difference between poverty and vulnerability, this paper presents an analytical framework and applies it to panel data from Peru. Major findings are: (1) Households with better educated heads are less vulnerable; (2) Female headed households are no more vulnerable than male headed households; (3) Households with more children are more vulnerable; (4) Transfer networks that assist the poor in relatively stable periods do not protect them during a major shock, unless they originate from outside Peru; and (5) Peru's social security program is targeted neither to vulnerable nor to poor households, but other transfer programs are better targeted.

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