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The MESL research seeks to answer a fundamental question: What do people need to live with dignity? It aims to identify the minimum acceptable standard of living for everyone, one that meets physical, psychological, and social needs—a level below which no one should have to live.
The MESL research works with members of the public in deliberative focus groups to establish what is needed for a socially acceptable minimum standard of living. Read more about the research approach and how the findings are applied.
The Minimum Essential Standard of Living (MESL) research was first undertaken in Ireland by the Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice in 2004. It has been ongoing since, and has grown and developed throughout the years, with multiple projects building the depth and breadth of the research. The research has continued at the Vincentian MESL Research Centre at SVP since 2022. Learn more about the development of the MESL.
Our research and analysis inform a variety of social policy areas, providing evidence-based policy recommendations and a benchmark for minimum needs rooted in lived experience. The research contributes to debates on income adequacy, poverty, and social inclusion by offering an ongoing benchmark of minimum needs and evaluating income adequacy.
