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On Decomposition of the Gini Index of Equality

Author

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  • Stéphane Mussard

    (GREDI, Université de Sherbrooke and Université de Perpignan)

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to show that the Gini index of equality is: (i) subgroup decomposable throughout interpersonal comparisons; (ii) decomposable by income source; (iii) decomposable both by subgroup and income source; (iv) and decomposable in a multidimensional context permitting statistical inference on equality components. These results entail that decision makers must use the Gini index of equality decompositions since they imply necessarily the computation of the Gini index of inequality decompositions. The reverse is not true.

Suggested Citation

  • Stéphane Mussard, 2005. "On Decomposition of the Gini Index of Equality," Cahiers de recherche 05-09, Departement d'économique de l'École de gestion à l'Université de Sherbrooke.
    • Handle: RePEc:shr:wpaper:05-09
    as

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    File URL: http://gredi.recherche.usherbrooke.ca/wpapers/GREDI-0508.pdf
    File Function: First version, 2005
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Gini index of equality; Multi-decomposition;

    JEL classification:

    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution

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