Results
Tool
2006
Describing Income Inequality. Theil Index and Entropy Class Indexes. EASYPol Series 051
This analytical tool illustrates the entropy class of inequality indexes. In particular, it shows how different inequality indexes may be obtained by using a general definition (class) of indexes by assigning different values to a fixed parameter. A step-by-step procedure and numerical examples then show how to move from conceptual to operational ground.
For further information, see also:
Charting Income Inequality. The Lorenz Curve. EASYPol Series 000
Social Welfare Analysis of Income Distributions: Ranking Income Distributions with Lorenz Curves. EASYPOl Series 001
Social Welfare Analysis of Income Distributions: Ranking Income Distributions with Crossing Generalised Lorenz Curves. EASYPol Sereis 003
Inequality Analysis: The Gini Index. EASYPol [...]
Tool
2006
Policy Impacts on Inequality. Welfare Based Measures of Inequality: The Atkinson Index. EASYPol Series 050
This analytical tool illustrates one of the most popular welfare-based measures of inequality, the Atkinson Index . In particular, it discusses the foundations of this Index, in terms of social welfare specifications, and the concept of equally distributed equivalent income on which the measure is based. The use of this measure is then exemplified in a step-by-step procedure and in a numerical example.
For further information, see also:
Impacts of Policies on Poverty: Distributional Poverty Measures
Poverty Analysis: Poverty and Dominance
Social Welfare Analysis of Income Distributions: Social Welfare, Social Welfare Functions and Inequality Aversion
This paper is part of the FAO Policy series: EASYPol-Resources [...]
Tool
2006
Inequality Analysis: The Gini Index. EASYPol Series 040
This analytical tool addresses the most popular inequality index, the Gini index. It discusses its characteristics and the link with another popular graphical tool of representing inequality, the Lorenz Curve. Extended version of the Gini Index with different weighting schemes are also discussed. The use of the Gini Index and of its generalised versions is explained through a step-by-step procedure and numerical examples.
For further information, see also:
Charting Income Inequality. The Lorenz Curve. EASYPol Series 000
Impacts of Policies on Poverty. Basic Poverty Measures. EASYPol Series 007
Policy Impacts on Inequality: Inequality and Axioms for its Measurement. EASYPol Series 054
Policy Impacts on Inequality: [...]
Tool
2005
Social Welfare Analysis of Income Distributions: Ranking Income Distributions with Generalised Lorenz Curves
This module documents calculation and use of Lorenz curves for inequality analysis. Specifically, it illustrates how Generalised Lorenz (GL) Curves can be used to identify the best income distribution on social welfare grounds within a set of alternative income distributions generated by different policy options where ordinary Lorenz curves fail to work. It is developed for capacity developent and operational purposes.
Tool
2005
Ranking Income Distributions with Generalised Lorenz Curves. EASYPol Series 002
This module illustrates how Generalised Lorenz (GL) Curves can be used to identify the best income distribution on social welfare grounds, within a set of alternative income distributions generated by different policy options, in many of the cases where ordinary Lorenz curves fail to work.
After illustrating some pitfalls of ordinary Lorenz Curves, a cursory presentation of the step-by-step procedure to check for Generalised Lorenz dominance and to infer welfare judgements is provided and demonstrated with some simple numerical examples. This module also points out the limitations of the GL approach whenever GL curves cross each other. In addition, it illustrates [...]
Tool
2005
Equivalence Scales: Objective Methods. EASYPol Series 034
This analytical tool illustrates how to use objective methods to derive Equivalence scales. The focus will be on the Engel method, on the Rothbarth method and on the Utility-based methods. The main difference between these methods is that the first two are based on proxy variables for the household well-being, while the last set of methods is based on the consideration of the overall preferences revealed by consumers.
For further information, see also:
Equivalence Scales: General Aspects. EASYPol Series 032
Equivalence Scales. Subjective Methods. EASYPol Series 033
This paper is part of a FAO Policy series: EASYPol-Resources for policy making (in agriculture, rural development [...]
Tool
2005
Equivalence Scales. Subjective Methods. EASYPol Series 033
This analytical tool illustrates how to use subjective methods to derive equivalence scales. Different methods exist, but the focus will be on parametric methods. These methods are based on the definition of two broad sets of parameters. The first defines the degree of economies of scale within any given household; the second defines how much any further member adds to the cost of running a family. As we will see, the two concepts are linked, giving rise to a variety of ways to parameterise equivalence scales.
For further information, see also:
Impacts of Policies on Poverty. The Definition of Poverty. EASYPol Series [...]
Tool
2005
Equivalence Scales. General Aspects. EASYPol Series 032
This analytical tool illustrates how inequality and poverty analysis may be carried out when the income distribution is defined over households (i.e. household incomes) and not over individuals (i.e. individual incomes). When household incomes are considered, a problem arises with regard to the possibility of comparing monetary incomes of different households with different numbers of inhabitants. In this case, and as described in this module, a correction should be made to meaningfully compare different situations. This correction is called an equivalence scale. An equivalence scale may be a simple per capita measure or a more sophisticated way to take into [...]
Tool
2005
Decentralization of Agricultural Services: Decentralization of Rural Financial Services. EASYPol Series 014
This paper first examines the characteristics of rural financial services, including demand and supply factors in rural financial markets. It draws attention to past failures of centralized and directed rural credit services, and the emergence of a new broader vision of rural financial services, based on liberal economics and decentralization policies. The conceptual framework for reform of rural financial services is discussed, and important principles of decentralization reiterated.
Policy implications, in terms of options for decentralization, and the roles and responsibilities of the government are next examined. Various options which might be considered under deconcentration, devolution, and diversification of ownership of [...]
Tool
2005
Impacts of Policies on Poverty: Generalised Poverty Gap Measures. EASYPol Series 010
This analytical tool illustrates advanced ways to measure poverty. It belongs to a set of EASYPol modules that discuss how to measure poverty according to different perspectives. In particular, this module will deal with generalised poverty gap measures, i.e. those poverty measures based on the definition of the poverty gap. The Sen index, the Foster-Greer-Thorbecke index, the Kakwani index and the Thon index will be discussed. Many public policies may have an impact on poor people. In policy work it is therefore important to simulate the impact of alternative policies on poverty and to rank policy options according to a wide range of poverty measures. This paper will [...]