Global knowledge Archives Vol. 5 No. 1 (2020): Global Knowledge Journal Article

Inequality in Latin America, a contrast between the Gini coefficient and the Palma index

Catalina Chacón Mejía
Santo Tomás University
María Nathalia Ramírez Chaparro
Santo Tomás University
Abstract

In recent decades, the study of inequalities has been at the center of research, especially those related to income distribution. According to these studies, Latin America has obtained disadvantageous results compared to other regions. Traditionally, these results are measured using the Gini coefficient, considered controversial by many. In contrast to this, the Palma index has been gaining relevance, due to its interpretative benefits.  Based on  a  quantitative  approach, this paper seeks to see the relationship between these two measuring systems. At the same time, through the use of Agglomerative Hierarchical Methods, clusters were generated between countries. On the other hand, with the Principal Components Analysis (PCA) technique, the relationship between Gini and Palma was corroborated. The results were also contrasted with the Human Development Index (HDI).

How to Cite
Chacón Mejía, C., & Ramírez Chaparro, M. N. (2020). Inequality in Latin America, a contrast between the Gini coefficient and the Palma index. Global Knowledge, 5(1), 11-32. https://doi.org/10.70165/cglobal.v5i1.50

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