최저생계비의 정의 및 계측방법상의 쟁점에 관한 고찰 김환준(경북대학교 사회복지학과 조교수) 우리나라의 최저생계비는 공식적인 빈곤선인 동시에 국민기초생활보장제도의 수급자격과 급여액을 산정하는 기준이 된다. 이러한 개념상의 혼용과 전물량방식에 의한 측정방법으로 인해 여러 가지 이론적, 현실적 쟁점들이 제기된다. 먼저, 가구특성에 따른 다양한 욕구의 차이가 수급자격을 판단하는 기준으로서의 최저생계비에 자세히 반영되지 못하고 있다는 점이다. 또한 최저생계비 수준의 전반적인 적절성에 관한 논란과 함께, 수급자격 판단 및 급여액 결정과 관련된 각종 용어와 기준들의 개념상 불일치와 일관성 결여가 나타난다. 이러한 문제는 결국 국민기초생활보장제도의 적용에 있어서 가구특성간․소득계층간 형평성 결여로 이어지고 있어, 최저생계비의 개념과 측정방법에 관한 종합적․체계적인 정리가 필요하다. 주제어: 빈곤선, 최저생계비, 공공부조, 빈곤 측정방법, 국민기초생활보장제도

Issues in the Definition and Measurement of Minimum Living Costs Hwan-joon Kim In Korea, the ‘minimum living cost’ is income eligibility standard for the public assistance(the Basic Livelihood Guarantee) program, as well as works as the official poverty threshold. Because of conceptual confusion and specific measurement (market-basket method) of the minimum living cost, a number of theoretical or practical issues arise. First of all, the minimum living cost does not reflect differences in family characteristics and needs among households. Moreover, inconsistencies and inadequacies appear in various concepts and standards used to determine the eligibility and benefit level. As a result, the Basic livelihood Guarantee program substantially lacks equity among households with different characteristics or income levels. For these reasons, the concept and measurement of the minimum living cost require a comprehensive and systematic readjustment. Keywords: poverty thresholds, minimum living cost, public assistance, poverty measurement, Basic Livelihood Guarantee program

Issues in the Definition and Measurement of Minimum Living Costs Hwan-joon Kim In Korea, the ‘minimum living cost’ is income eligibility standard for the public assistance(the Basic Livelihood Guarantee) program, as well as works as the official poverty threshold. Because of conceptual confusion and specific measurement (market-basket method) of the minimum living cost, a number of theoretical or practical issues arise. First of all, the minimum living cost does not reflect differences in family characteristics and needs among households. Moreover, inconsistencies and inadequacies appear in various concepts and standards used to determine the eligibility and benefit level. As a result, the Basic livelihood Guarantee program substantially lacks equity among households with different characteristics or income levels. For these reasons, the concept and measurement of the minimum living cost require a comprehensive and systematic readjustment. Keywords: poverty thresholds, minimum living cost, public assistance, poverty measurement, Basic Livelihood Guarantee program

poverty thresholds, minimum living cost, public assistance, poverty measurement, Basic Livelihood Guarantee program