An analysis on the determinants of chronic poverty in Turkey

Poverty has been a major issue in all societies throughout history. Poverty is generally believed to be an income-based concept, but it also includes social and cultural factors which demonstrate its multidimensionality. However, another important aspect of poverty is time. Examining an individual's poverty situation over a single time period is insufficient to understand the real deprivations of these individuals. But, on the other hand, examining the concept of poverty in a dynamic structure, that is, whether an individual's poverty is temporary or chronic, allows for more significant inferences about poverty. This study, which approaches the phenomenon of poverty from a dynamic perspective, aims to investigate the main determinants of chronic poverty in Turkey. In this context, the determinants of chronic poverty were analyzed with a random effect panel ordered logit model by using the micro panel data from the Turkish Statistical Institute's Survey of Income and Living Conditions for the period of 2015-2018. According to the findings, the probability of being temporarily and chronically poor decreases as the age of the individuals increases, the level of education increases, their health status improves and when the individuals are employed. However, it has been concluded that the probability of being temporarily and chronically poor increases as the ability of individuals to make ends meet becomes more difficult. In addition, it has been observed that women are less likely to be temporarily and chronically poor than men and married individuals are more likely to be temporarily and chronically poor than singles.