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Income distribution in Italy: A nonparametric analysis

Author

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  • M. Grazia Pittau

    (Università di Roma)

  • Roberto Zelli

    (Università di Roma)

Abstract

Using kernel density estimation, this paper describes the real income distribution and how it evolved over time in Italy. Data are cross-sectional samples from the population of Italian households during the period 1987–1998. A non parametric test is applied to asses whether the observed changes in the distribution are statistically significant, while the presence of more than one mode in the distributions is investigated by a bootstrap test. Empirical results show that the Italian income distribution significantly changed over time, accompanied by a decreasing inequality pattern until 1991 and a subsequent rise. No marked income gains were perceived, while the real “losers” of the decade seem to be households in the middle-upper income range.

Suggested Citation

  • M. Grazia Pittau & Roberto Zelli, 2001. "Income distribution in Italy: A nonparametric analysis," Statistical Methods & Applications, Springer;Società Italiana di Statistica, vol. 10(1), pages 175-189, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:stmapp:v:10:y:2001:i:1:d:10.1007_bf02511647
    DOI: 10.1007/BF02511647
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    4. Khan, Haider & Schettino, Francesco, 2018. "Income Polarization in the USA (1983-2016): what happened to the middle class?," MPRA Paper 85554, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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