Estimation and Inference for Normative Inequality Indices

Arbeitspapier

This paper addresses the sampling distribution of two general classes of normative income inequality indices. Specifically, for approximations to the Atkinson-Kolm-Sen index of relative inequality and the Kolm-Blackorby-Donaldson index of absolute inequality, the paper provides consistent estimators based on a random sample of income microdata and establishes their asymptotic normality. Asymptotic variance-covariance expressions are obtained that provide for distribution-free statistical inference on these measures in a straightforward fashion. The paper thus extends the principles of statistical inference to current classes of normative inequality measures and to Atkinson's equally distributed income measure, using a general approximation approach. An example using Canadian family income microdata illustrates the technique.

Object Details

• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Series: Queen's Economics Department Working Paper ; No. 913

Classification and Topics

• Classification: Wirtschaft

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Geistige Schöpfung
• (who): Rongve, Ian ; Beach, Charles
• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (who): Queen's University, Department of Economics
• (where): Kingston (Ontario)
• (when): 1994

Further information

• Handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10419/189234
• Last update: 10.03.2025, 11:44 AM CET