Measuring poverty as “half the median disposable income” is not flawed. It shows economic inequality not just survival. The median is not skewed by billionaires and while US incomes are higher so are costs for essentials like healthcare. In Europe higher taxes fund more social benefits easing the burden on lower income people. Higher pay alone does not mean less poverty because cost of living matters too.
Discussion
Yeah that's is part of my point cost of living is way higher in Europe. Energy, fuel, housing all the taxes VAT, income tax, inheritance etc. Sure you might get social care paid for in some instances but living on half the median in the UK is way harder than half the median in the USA so that's why I don't buy it.