If we consider welfare as a multidimensional phenomenon, we can show that the traditional approach, based on objective indicators and economic determinants, is insufficient. Apart from the positive but imperfect correlation between the household monetary income and subjective welfare, other factors influence that perception.We use the Economic Ladder Question (ELQ) in the Peruvian household surveys to analyze the factors determining economic welfare, employing an ordered logit model.Our research puts emphasis on those factors affected by policy. We show that more than 70% of the population considers itself 'poor' in subjective terms, while according to the poverty line approach, the proportion is 44,6%. This mismatch between subjective and objective measures means that, in urban and rural areas respectively, 53% and 81% of objective non-poor households subjectively consider themselves to...

If we consider welfare as a multidimensional phenomenon, we can show that the traditional approach, based on objective indicators and economic determinants, is insufficient. Apart from the positive but imperfect correlation between the household monetary income and subjective welfare, other factors influence that perception. We use the Economic Ladder Question (ELQ) in the Peruvian household surveys to analyze the factors determining economic welfare, employing an ordered logit model. Our research puts emphasis on those factors affected by policy. We show that more than 70% of the population considers itself 'poor' in subjective terms, while according to the poverty line approach, the proportion is 44,6%. This mismatch between subjective and objective measures means that, in urban and rural areas respectively, 53% and 81% of objective non-poor households subjectively consider themselves ...