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Deriving The Parameter Of Inequality Aversion From A Parametric Distribution Of Incomes

Author

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  • Stanislaw Maciej Kot

    (Gdansk University of Technology, Gdansk, Poland)

Abstract

In this paper, the method of deriving the parameter ? of inequality aversion from a parametric distribution of incomes is proposed. It is assumed that a social decision-maker appraises welfare in income distributions by means of the constant inequality aversion utility function and that incomes obey the generalised beta distribution of the second kind GB2(a,b,p,q). It is proved that, under these assumptions, the social welfare function exists if and only if ? belongs to [0,ap+1) interval. The mid-point ?mid of this interval specifies inequality aversion of the median social-decision maker. The maximum likelihood estimator of ?mid has been developed. Inequality aversion for Poland 1998-2015 has been estimated. If inequality is calculated on the basis of disposable incomes, the standard inequality-development relationship might be complemented by inequality aversion. Such an augmented inequality-development relationship discloses new evidences. For instance, the Gini index is not a declining function of ? in general, but only for a high stage of the economic development.

Suggested Citation

  • Stanislaw Maciej Kot, 2019. "Deriving The Parameter Of Inequality Aversion From A Parametric Distribution Of Incomes," GUT FME Working Paper Series A 58, Faculty of Management and Economics, Gdansk University of Technology.
    • Handle: RePEc:gdk:wpaper:58
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Inequality; Inequality aversion; Income distribution; Utility function;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D30 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - General
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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