Summary

This paper assesses the effectiveness of the proxy means test (PMT) targeting methodology. It brings together international evidence to show that it is both inaccurate and arbitrary. The mechanism suffers from high in-built design errors, additional errors introduced during implementation, and infrequent surveys, meaning that it cannot respond to the dynamic nature of household incomes. It also generates conflict and divisions within communities, ultimately weakening their cohesion. The paper argues that the PMT is embedded within a neoliberal paradigm that favours low taxation and limited social spending and concludes by noting that only by increasing investment in inclusive lifecycle national social protection systems can all of those living in poverty effectively access social security.