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Measuring socioeconomic inequality in health, health care and health financing by means of rank-dependent indices: A recipe for good practice

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  • Erreygers, Guido
  • Van Ourti, Tom

Abstract

The tools to be used and other choices to be made when measuring socioeconomic inequalities with rank-dependent inequality indices have recently been debated in this journal. This paper adds to this debate by stressing the importance of the measurement scale, by providing formal proofs of several issues in the debate, and by lifting the curtain on the confusing debate between adherents of absolute versus relative health differences. We end this paper with a 'matrix' that provides guidelines on the usefulness of several rank-dependent inequality indices under varying circumstances.

Suggested Citation

  • Erreygers, Guido & Van Ourti, Tom, 2011. "Measuring socioeconomic inequality in health, health care and health financing by means of rank-dependent indices: A recipe for good practice," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 30(4), pages 685-694, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jhecon:v:30:y:2011:i:4:p:685-694
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Health inequality Socioeconomic inequality Concentration index;

    JEL classification:

    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General

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