Multidimensional Poverty and Social Protection Policies in ASEAN Member States A Comparative Study

Abstract

The present paper is a review-based research paper. The research article examines recent studies on multidimensional poverty in Southeast Asian countries. The paper analyzes and focuses on the conceptualization and measurement of multidimensional poverty, as well as the determinants and consequences of poverty in the ASEAN region. This paper is an attempt to study the present social protection programms for the eradication of poverty implemented in ASEAN member state countries. The study has revealed that poverty in Southeast Asia is a complex and multidimensional phenomenon, with both rural and urban areas facing significant challenges. The researcher has used a literature review-based method wherein articles published in Scopus database are used and classified based on the keywords, content, and context of the study. The present research article involves the recent studies on poverty and social protection programms in ASEAN member states. The ASEAN member states (AMS) have formulated various policies for addressing multidimensional poverty. The well-known and effective programms for social protection and poverty alleviation programms are classified according to their criteria and area of impact in a table. This review finds that the poverty alleviation programms focus mostly on social insurance and social security in ASEAN member states and that there are very few or hardly any programms especially focusing on poverty and the ten indicators of poverty suggested by the Alkheri method of multidimensional poverty.  The paper concludes by identifying key gaps in current research, implementing policies, and highlighting areas for future research.