spend however they choose improves livelihoods

[GoodTaste]

Does "however" here mean "no matter how"? If so, it seems odd to me because the overall sum of the money a family can get monthly is only US$1,145 and the phrase "no matter how" thus sounds a bit pompous and hollow. I don't know what is the problem in understanding unless it actually means "no matter what way".

=================

Pandemic speeds largest test yet of universal basic income
Economists welcome the chance to see whether giving people cash to spend however they choose improves livelihoods.

Spain’s government has started what might just be remembered as the world’s biggest economics experiment. On 15 June, spurred by the coronavirus crisis and its economic fallout, it launched a website offering monthly payments of up to €1,015 (US$1,145) to the nation’s poorest families.

Source: Nature July 10, 2020
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-01993-3

 

[tedmc]

In whatever way they choose

Is the first line the title of the article?

 

[GoodTaste]

Subtitle.

 

[GoesStation]

The language is natural. It means "in whatever way". It's neither pompous nor hollow. Where did you get that idea?

 

[GoodTaste]

Where did you get that idea?

I misunderstood it as "no matter how", thus it impressed me as pompous and hollow.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

I misunderstood it as "no matter how", thus it impressed me as pompous and hollow.

I can see why you might have thought it means no matter how. But we actually say "no matter how" if that's what we mean.

I wouldn't call it pompous or hollow. It's demanding. A threat might even be implied.