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The network of injustice: a novel approach to inequality of opportunity

Author

Listed:
  • Colcerasa, Francesco
  • Giammei, Lorenzo
  • Subioli, Francesca

Abstract

Restoring the theoretical foundation of John Roemer’s conceptualization of inequality of opportunity (IOp), we introduce an innovative empirical approach to measure unfair inequalities through Bayesian networks. This methodology enhances our understanding of income inequality through structural learning algorithms, generating an IOp index and, most importantly, shedding light on the underlying income formation process. We demonstrate how this proposal relates to established measurement methods through simulated data, and provide an application to five European countries to illustrate the potential of Bayesian networks in the context of measuring inequality of opportunity.

Suggested Citation

  • Colcerasa, Francesco & Giammei, Lorenzo & Subioli, Francesca, 2025. "The network of injustice: a novel approach to inequality of opportunity," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 127182, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:127182
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    File URL: https://researchonline.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/127182/
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    JEL classification:

    • A13 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Relation of Economics to Social Values
    • C43 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods: Special Topics - - - Index Numbers and Aggregation
    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • I20 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - General

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