Case-wise policy analysis: Another look at the burden of high energy costs

Variable-wise analysis operates on columns of a typical data matrix, while case-wise analysis operates on rows. In the latter, each observation is construed in the context of all other observations on the same case, and the analysis is biased toward the definition of ideal types. This article explores the potential of case-wise policy analysis using survey data on the burden of high energy costs at the household level. The case-wise and variable-wise alternatives are associated with different policy goals and result in quite different priorities for allocating public assistance to households most in need. The article concludes with a discussion of reasons for institutionalizing the case-wise alternative through periodic data collection and reporting systems.