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Proportional Representation, Gini Coefficients, and the Principle of Transfers

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  • Tom Van Puyenbroeck

    (Faculty of Economics of the Hogeschool-Universiteit Brussel, tom.vanpuyenbroeck@hubrussel.be)

Abstract

While various authors have appealed to Dalton's Principle of Transfers, the Lorenz curve, and the Gini Coefficient to assess disproportionality in proportional representation systems, some additional clarifications are warranted with regard to these concepts and their proper application to the disproportionality issue. This article shows that the three concepts keep their full power and internal consistency if one considers the proportional representation problem as one of maximizing equality of seat/vote ratios among individual voters. Inconsistencies arise if parties are taken as the relevant unit of account. If one insists on comparing parties, then the appropriate concern is rather with their `deviation from proportionality'. To assess that concept, measures of seat mobility are better suited than genuine inequality measures.

Suggested Citation

  • Tom Van Puyenbroeck, 2008. "Proportional Representation, Gini Coefficients, and the Principle of Transfers," Journal of Theoretical Politics, , vol. 20(4), pages 498-526, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jothpo:v:20:y:2008:i:4:p:498-526
    DOI: 10.1177/0951629808093778
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    1. Miguel Martínez-Panero & Verónica Arredondo & Teresa Peña & Victoriano Ramírez, 2019. "A New Quota Approach to Electoral Disproportionality," Economies, MDPI, vol. 7(1), pages 1-17, March.

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