Measurement and Meaning: Combining Quantitative and Qualitative Methods for the Analysis of Poverty and Social Exclusion in Latin America

Over the past decade, the World Bank has evolved its analysis and reporting on poverty to a multi-dimensional view which includes issues of social disadvantage, vulnerability, and powerlessness. This broader construct, which considers the concepts of social exclusion and social capital, suggests the need for a greater degree of qualitative research. Qualitative research has proved particularly valuable in identifying social issues while improving the accuracy of quantitative research. This report presents three case studies drawn from World Bank work in Latin America. Each of these studies—one each from Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay—illustrates the gains that can be derived from combining the use of quantitative and qualitative research methods.