Median-based measures of inequality: Reassessing the increase in income inequality in the U.S. and Sweden

摘要: The increase in income inequality, due to a shift favor of the upper end United States and other countries, has become public policy concern. This paper shows that Gini index, G, underestimates rate inequality because towards top incomes increases both numerator denominator G. A modified index (G2) ,w hich replaces mean by median, indicates grew at about twice as from 1967 2012. analysis accounts for effect changes made survey collection process 1994. In contrast with States, while increased Sweden, region was less pronounced. G2 is readily computed mean, median published many national statistical agencies. Although may not be appropriate some analytic purposes, it an easily calculated summary descriptive measure more sensitive important distribution than index. Most indices placing greater weight on must micro-data.