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An elementary characterization of the Gini index

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  • Plata-Pérez, L.
  • Sánchez-Pérez, J.
  • Sánchez-Sánchez, F.

Abstract

The Gini index is one of the most used indicators of social and economic inequality. In this paper we characterize the Gini index as the unique function that satisfies the properties of scale independence, symmetry, standardization and comonotone separability. Furthermore, we propose a simpler way to compute it.

Suggested Citation

  • Plata-Pérez, L. & Sánchez-Pérez, J. & Sánchez-Sánchez, F., 2015. "An elementary characterization of the Gini index," Mathematical Social Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 74(C), pages 79-83.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:matsoc:v:74:y:2015:i:c:p:79-83
    DOI: 10.1016/j.mathsocsci.2015.01.002
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    Cited by:

    1. Yimin Yang, 2014. "Uniqueness of concentration index," Journal of Financial Engineering (JFE), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 1(02), pages 1-9.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution
    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being

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