All Rights Reserved
AccessEcon LLC 2006, 2008.
Powered by MinhViet JSC

 
S Subramanian
 
''Using the zeta function to explain 'downside' and 'upside' inequality aversion''
( 2023, Vol. 43 No.1 )
 
 
This paper presents a single-parameter generalization of the Gini coefficient of inequality. The generalization yields a unique sequence of measures parametrized by the integer k which runs from minus infinity to plus infinity, and is based on the zeta function (defined on the set of integers). Using suitably normalized income weights, one can generate a family of welfare functions and associated inequality measures. For k belonging to {…,-3,-2,-1}, one has a family of decreasingly ‘upside inequality aversion' measures; when k is zero, one has the familiar ‘transfer-neutral' Gini coefficient; and for k belonging to {1,2,3,…}, one has a family of increasingly ‘downside inequality aversion' measures. As k tends to minus infinity, the underlying social welfare function mimics a utilitarian rule, and as k tends to plus infinity, the Rawlsian rule. When k is 1, the corresponding inequality measure turns out to be the Bonferroni coefficient.
 
 
Keywords: transfer-sensitivity, transfer-neutrality, reverse transfer-sensitivity, zeta function, Bentham, Rawls, Gini, Bonferroni
JEL: D3 - Distribution: General
D6 - Welfare Economics: General
 
Manuscript Received : Sep 23 2022 Manuscript Accepted : Mar 30 2023

  This abstract has been downloaded 105 times                The Full PDF of this paper has been downloaded 164764 times