Can measures of disadvantage perpetuate the problems they seek to solve? A discussion of the use of car ownership as a variable in multidimensional measures of disadvantage
Victoria Johnson, Graham Currie and Janet Stanley
Monash University
Contact Email:   Victoria.Johnsoneng.monash.edu.au

Improved understanding of the multidimensional nature of disadvantage has lead to development of a wider range of measurement variables than traditional income poverty lines. One variable commonly included in indexes of disadvantage, is households that do not have a car. The use of this variable in the Townsend Index, the Index of Relative Socio-Economic Disadvantage and the Child Social Exclusion Index is discussed in this paper.

This paper challenges the logic of including ‘not having a car’ as an indicator of disadvantage and argues that the inclusion of this variable distorts the true picture of the distribution of advantage and disadvantage in wealthy nations such as Australia. It presents evidence to show that zero car ownership may be a positive feature of low income households and that conversely high car ownership can put significant financial stress on households with low income.

An examination of these measures of disadvantage can help to illuminate the vital role of transport in addressing social exclusion and economic inequality. The purpose of this paper is to open debate and contribute to the development of more accurate measures of disadvantage.

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