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One-shot Inequality, Gini, and Redistribution via Microsoft Excel

Author

Listed:
  • Humberto Barreto

    (Department of Economics and Management, DePauw University)

Abstract

This paper explains how to use a macro-enabled Excel workbook, Gini.xlsm, to teach basic concepts about income inequality as a standalone, one-time class at the undergraduate level. The material unfolds in a series of steps that highlight the benefits of social cooperation and enable students to explore varying degrees of redistribution. The Gini Coefficient is explained with dynamic charts that update as the student makes changes. The Excel workbook contains 13 questions and this paper provides answers. This presentation of the material was inspired by Nozick’s Anarchy, State, and Utopia (relevant passages are included in the Excel workbook) and this paper contains suggestions for supplemental readings and additional ideas for class discussion. Download the freely-available Excel workbook at tiny.cc/giniexcel.

Suggested Citation

  • Humberto Barreto, 2022. "One-shot Inequality, Gini, and Redistribution via Microsoft Excel," Working Papers 2022-02, DePauw University, School of Business and Leadership and Department of Economics and Management.
    • Handle: RePEc:dew:wpaper:2022-02
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    File URL: https://www.depauw.edu/site/learn/dew/wpaper/workingpapers/DePauw2022-02-Barreto-OneShotInequalityGiniRedistribution.pdf
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    teaching; pedagogy; justice; identity; group; Nozick; Rawls; Friedman;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A10 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - General
    • A20 - General Economics and Teaching - - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics - - - General
    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • I3 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty

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