Gini Coefficient or Gini Ratio can be associated with which one of th...
Key-Points - Gini Coefficient:
- It is a measure of the distribution of income across a population developed by the Italian statistician "Corrado".
- It is often used as a gauge of Economic Inequality measuring income distribution or, less commonly, wealth distribution among a population. Hence option 3 is Correct answer.
- The coefficient ranges from 0 (or 0%) to 1 (or 100%), with 0 representing perfect equality and 1 representing perfect inequality. Values over 1 are theoretically possible due to negative income or wealth.
- Importance of Gini Coefficient:
- An increase in the Index implies that the government’s policies benefit the rich more than the poor and are not inclusive enough.
- So, a higher ratio may encourage the government to spend more on social welfare schemes and also increase the tax burden on the rich.
- It is important that the government tries to maintain a good ratio so that the rich-poor divide can be kept in check.
Gini Coefficient in India: As per World Bank, India’s Gini Index is 35.2 (0.35) as of March 2020. The World Bank report indicates that India’s high population and uneven distribution of wealth is responsibly for its low performance in the index. Lesotho currently holds the distinction of the country having the highest Gini Coefficient at 0.632.
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Gini Coefficient or Gini Ratio can be associated with which one of th...
Gini Coefficient or Gini Ratio can be associated with which one of the following measurements in an economy?
The correct answer is option 'C', income inequality.
Explanation:
The Gini Coefficient or Gini Ratio is a widely used measure of income inequality in an economy. It is named after the Italian statistician Corrado Gini, who developed the concept in 1912. The Gini Coefficient is a statistical measure that quantifies the dispersion of income or wealth distribution among the members of a population.
Measurement of Income Inequality:
The Gini Coefficient is a numerical value between 0 and 1, where 0 represents perfect equality (i.e., every individual has the same income or wealth) and 1 represents perfect inequality (i.e., one individual has all the income or wealth, while others have none). It measures the extent to which the distribution of income or wealth deviates from a perfectly equal distribution.
Use in Economic Analysis:
The Gini Coefficient is widely used by economists, policymakers, and researchers to analyze and compare income inequality within and across different countries or regions. It provides a quantitative measure that allows for meaningful comparisons and helps policymakers identify areas where income disparities are the most pronounced.
Policy Implications:
High levels of income inequality can have significant social and economic consequences. It can lead to social unrest, political instability, and hinder overall economic growth. Governments and policymakers often use the Gini Coefficient to assess the effectiveness of their policies aimed at reducing income inequality and promoting more equitable distribution of income.
Limitations:
While the Gini Coefficient is a valuable tool for measuring income inequality, it does have some limitations. It only provides a summary statistic and does not reveal the underlying causes or factors contributing to income disparities. Additionally, the Gini Coefficient does not capture non-income dimensions of inequality, such as access to education, healthcare, or opportunities.
Conclusion:
In summary, the Gini Coefficient or Gini Ratio is associated with the measurement of income inequality in an economy. It is a widely used statistical measure that quantifies the dispersion of income or wealth distribution and provides policymakers and researchers with valuable insights into the extent of income disparities within a population.
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