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Measuring multidimensional inequality of opportunity

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Listed:
  • Martyna Kobus
  • Marek Kapera
  • Vitorocco Peragine

Abstract

This paper develops a normative approach to the measurement of ex-ante inequality of opportunity in a multidimensional setting—that is, when the individual outcome is represented by a multidimensional variable. We characterize three classes of social welfare functions, all endorsing ex-ante compensation but each reflecting a specific reward principle: (1) utilitarian, (2) agnostic, and (3) averse. The first class is implemented via generalized Lorenz dominance applied to each attribute separately.

Suggested Citation

  • Martyna Kobus & Marek Kapera & Vitorocco Peragine, 2020. "Measuring multidimensional inequality of opportunity," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2020-19, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    • Handle: RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2020-19
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gaston Yalonetzky, 2012. "A dissimilarity index of multidimensional inequality of opportunity," The Journal of Economic Inequality, Springer;Society for the Study of Economic Inequality, vol. 10(3), pages 343-373, September.
    2. Marc Fleurbaey & Vito Peragine, 2013. "Ex Ante Versus Ex Post Equality of Opportunity," Economica, London School of Economics and Political Science, vol. 80(317), pages 118-130, January.
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    7. Vito Peragine, 2004. "Ranking Income Distributions According to Equality of Opportunity," The Journal of Economic Inequality, Springer;Society for the Study of Economic Inequality, vol. 2(1), pages 11-30, April.
    8. Francisco H. G. Ferreira & Jérémie Gignoux, 2011. "The Measurement Of Inequality Of Opportunity: Theory And An Application To Latin America," Review of Income and Wealth, International Association for Research in Income and Wealth, vol. 57(4), pages 622-657, December.
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    14. Francisco H.G. Ferreira & Jérémie Gignoux, 2010. "Inequality of Opportunity for Education: Turkey," Post-Print halshs-00754838, HAL.
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Equality of opportunity; Economic inequality; Multidimensional welfare; Multidimensional inequality; Multidimensional welfare measurement; Lorenz dominance;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • I32 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Measurement and Analysis of Poverty

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