In: Economics
How is income inequality measured? If a country’s distribution of income became more unequal over time, would that affect economic progress? Why or why not?
Income inequality is measured with the help of the Gini coefficient and the Lorenz curve. Lorenz curve is a graphical representation of income inequality in a country, on one axis we have a cumulative portion of income and on the other axis, we have a cumulative percentage of income. This graph has a line of equality which is a 45-degree line and a deviated curve (which is the Lorenz curve) which represents the degree of income inequality in a country.
Lorenz curve is a graphical representation of the Gini coefficient. Gini coefficient is measured by calculating the ratio of the area between the line of equality and the Lorenz curve.
Yes, a country with a vast difference in income equality faces a lot of problems. There is a vast difference in the standard of living of the citizens. In such a country, the rich keep becoming richer, and the poor become poorer due to a lack of opportunities like health and education for the poor. This widely affects the economic growth and GDP of a nation.