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The choice of inequality measure in empirical research on distributive judgements

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  • Andre Decoster
  • Erik Schokkaert

Abstract

We analyse questionnaire data from a representative sample of the Flemish working population. For 781 respondents we construct their perception of the actual and of the fair income distribution. We check whether the use of different inequality measures leads to different interpretations of these data. The ranking of individuals on the basis of their perceived and fair inequality is hardly affected and the same is true for the explanation of the interindividual variation. However, the simple classification of individual respondents in those who want and those who do not want less inequality does depend on the measure used in 20% of the cases. Moreover, the tendency to equalise is a poor measures of conservatism. Copyright Springer-Verlag 2002
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Suggested Citation

  • Andre Decoster & Erik Schokkaert, 2002. "The choice of inequality measure in empirical research on distributive judgements," Journal of Economics, Springer, vol. 9(1), pages 197-222, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jeczfn:v:9:y:2002:i:1:p:197-222
    DOI: 10.1007/BF03052504
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Kolm, Serge-Christophe, 1976. "Unequal inequalities. I," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 12(3), pages 416-442, June.
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    9. Atkinson, Anthony B., 1970. "On the measurement of inequality," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 2(3), pages 244-263, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Asis Kumar Banerjee, 2015. "The Squared Coefficient of Variation as an Inequality Index: A Social Evaluation Characterization," Review of Economics & Finance, Better Advances Press, Canada, vol. 5, pages 45-54, August.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Inequality Measurement; Distributive Justice; Distributinal Change; Perception of Inequality; D63;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement

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