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Rank information and inequality in social welfare functions

Author

Listed:
  • Andreas Darmann

    (University of Graz)

  • Daniel Eckert

    (University of Graz)

  • Christian Klamler

    (University of Graz)

Abstract

In this paper we use rank information to construct a measure of preference satisfaction by collective decision rules and to compare the Borda rule with the plurality rule with respect to the inequality their outcome induces. While the construction of our measure of preference satisfaction is formally equivalent to Borda utilities, it turns out that, with respect to equality, the Borda rule is not necessarily superior to plurality rule for the case of more than three alternatives.

Suggested Citation

  • Andreas Darmann & Daniel Eckert & Christian Klamler, 2025. "Rank information and inequality in social welfare functions," Theory and Decision, Springer, vol. 98(4), pages 473-487, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:theord:v:98:y:2025:i:4:d:10.1007_s11238-025-10023-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s11238-025-10023-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Marcus Pivato, 2016. "Asymptotic utilitarianism in scoring rules," Social Choice and Welfare, Springer;The Society for Social Choice and Welfare, vol. 47(2), pages 431-458, August.
    2. Rossi, Mauro, 2011. "Degrees of Preference and Degrees of Preference Satisfaction," Utilitas, Cambridge University Press, vol. 23(3), pages 316-323, September.
    3. Jose Apesteguia & Miguel A. Ballester & Rosa Ferrer, 2011. "On the Justice of Decision Rules," The Review of Economic Studies, Review of Economic Studies Ltd, vol. 78(1), pages 1-16.
    4. Sen, Amartya, 1995. "Inequality Reexamined," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198289289.
    5. Ben Fine & Pedro Mendes Loureiro, 2021. "From social choice to inequality-decomposition: in the spirit of Arrow and Atkinson by way of Sen and Shorrocks," International Review of Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 35(5), pages 765-791, September.
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