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Equivalence Scales and Subjective Data in Switzerland

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  • Jean-Marc Falter

Abstract

The estimation of equivalence scales is an important aspect of any poverty or inequality analysis. Most of the research and policy recommendations rely on so called expert scales. Some of them are used in many countries, like the OECD scale. In Switzerland, recommendations of the CSIAS, the main body in charge of social norms, are followed by academics as well as practitioners. Yet, the use of such equivalence scales should be validated by statistical results on the cost of children. To the author knowledge, all avalaible studies on equivalence scales in Switzerland are based on demand behavior, a method with its own merits and shortcomings. We claim that subjective estimators may overcome the difficulties implied by traditional estimation of equivalence scales. Our results seem to indicate that the expert scales are too steep. However, our results are driven by the choice of the research instrument.

Suggested Citation

  • Jean-Marc Falter, 2006. "Equivalence Scales and Subjective Data in Switzerland," Swiss Journal of Economics and Statistics (SJES), Swiss Society of Economics and Statistics (SSES), vol. 142(II), pages 263-284, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:ses:arsjes:2006-ii-4
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    Cited by:

    1. Fabio Losa & Emiliano Soldini, 2011. "The Similar Faces of Swiss Working Poor - An Empirical Analysis across Swiss Regions using Logistic Regression and Classification Trees," Swiss Journal of Economics and Statistics (SJES), Swiss Society of Economics and Statistics (SSES), vol. 147(I), pages 17-44, March.
    2. Eric Crettaz, 2011. "Why Are Immigrants and Ethnic Minorities more Affected by Working Poverty? Theoretical Framework and Empirical Evidence Across Welfare Regimes," LIS Working papers 564, LIS Cross-National Data Center in Luxembourg.
    3. Kseniya Abanokova & Hai‐Anh H. Dang & Michael Lokshin, 2022. "Do Adjustments for Equivalence Scales Affect Poverty Dynamics? Evidence from the Russian Federation during 1994–2017," Review of Income and Wealth, International Association for Research in Income and Wealth, vol. 68(S1), pages 167-192, April.
    4. Monika Engler, 2011. "Redistribution in Switzerland: Social Cohesion or Simple Smoothing of Lifetime Incomes?," Swiss Journal of Economics and Statistics (SJES), Swiss Society of Economics and Statistics (SSES), vol. 147(II), pages 107-155, June.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Equivalence scales; poverty analysis; subjective data;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I32 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Measurement and Analysis of Poverty
    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being
    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs

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