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Changing Times, Testing Times: A Bootstrap Analysis of Poverty and Inequality using the PACO Database

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  • Georges Heinrich

Abstract

Conclusions about poverty and the distribution of incomes are typically based on information obtained from sample surveys. However, sample surveys are subject to sampling and non-sampling errors. Statistical inference allows us to deal with sampling errors. In this paper, we demonstrate the usefulness of bootstrapping techniques for carrying out statistical inference for poverty and inequality measures. We analyse poverty and income inequality among pensioners in Hungary, Luxembourg and the United Kingdom. We carry out comparisons of the living standards of pensioners across countries and over time. Our results have far-reaching policy implications for the reforms of public pension systems currently under way.

Suggested Citation

  • Georges Heinrich, 1998. "Changing Times, Testing Times: A Bootstrap Analysis of Poverty and Inequality using the PACO Database," CERT Discussion Papers 9802, Centre for Economic Reform and Transformation, Heriot Watt University.
    • Handle: RePEc:hwe:certdp:9802
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Poverty; inequality; pensioners; pension reforms; bootstrapping.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C12 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Hypothesis Testing: General
    • C14 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Semiparametric and Nonparametric Methods: General
    • H55 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Social Security and Public Pensions
    • I32 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Measurement and Analysis of Poverty

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