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On the measurement of opportunity-dependent inequality under uncertainty

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  • Qu, Xiangyu

Abstract

The actual level of income inequality and the scope of allocation options influence the individual as well as social perception of inequality under uncertainty. We show how incorporating opportunity concerns under uncertainty would affect inequality perception. An axiomatic system on preferences is suggested and demonstrated to characterize a measure of opportunity-dependent index under uncertainty, which would potentially provide a satisfactory answer to the puzzling observation that many individuals perceive higher level of income inequality although its actual level is low.

Suggested Citation

  • Qu, Xiangyu, 2022. "On the measurement of opportunity-dependent inequality under uncertainty," Journal of Mathematical Economics, Elsevier, vol. 101(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:mateco:v:101:y:2022:i:c:s030440682200043x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jmateco.2022.102690
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