On Fourier-Based Inequality Indices

Abstract

Inequality indices are quantitative scores that take values in the unit interval, with a zero score denoting complete equality. They were originally created to measure the heterogeneity of wealth metrics. In this study, we focus on a new inequality index based on the Fourier transform that demonstrates a number of intriguing characteristics and shows great potential for applications. By extension, it is demonstrated that other inequality measures, such as the Gini and Pietra indices, can be usefully stated in terms of the Fourier transform, allowing us to illuminate characteristics in a novel and straightforward manner.

Keywords

• inequality measures
• Pietra and Gini indices
• fourier transform
• sub-additivity for convolutions