Modeling Income Distributions and Lorenz Curves

The parameterization of income distributions and Lorenz Curves is a useful approach for representing how income is distributed within a given population. It provides a way of describing how the data are generated, why the level of inequality is what it is, and what happens to the poorer sections of the population. This book brings together classic papers in the field, including Camilo Dagum s most influential contribution, survey papers outlining the state-of-the-art of the field, and cutting-edge research contributions. While providing a thorough overview of the methodology of income distribution modeling, the book emphasizes its relevance on development economics and its importance for policy makers who design and assess poverty alleviation and income redistribution policies. The parameterization of income distributions using Lorenz Curves is a useful technique to analyze the characteristics of income inequality within a given population. It provides a way of describing how data are generated, why the level of inequality is what it is, and how these factors impact poorer sections of the population. This book brings together classic papers in the field, including Camilo Dagum s most influential contribution, survey papers outlining the state-of-the-art of the field, and cutting-edge research contributions. While providing a thorough overview of the methodology of income distribution modeling, the book emphasizes its relevance on development economics and its importance for policy makers who design and assess poverty alleviation and income redistribution policies.