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Income inequality and price elasticity of market demand: the case of crossing Lorenz curves

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

Change log

Authors

Ibragimov, M 
Ibragimov, R 
Kattuman, PA 
Ma, J 

Abstract

This paper extends Ibragimov and Ibragimov (Econ Theory 32:579–587, 2007) in which the effect of changes income inequality on the price elasticity of market demand is characterized for the class of income distribution changes occurring through non-intersecting Lorenz curve shifts. We derive sufficient conditions for increase/decrease in price elasticity of market demand, under general changes in income distribution, allowing Lorenz curves to intersect as they shift. We conclude by drawing out implications of different types of tax policy changes for demand elasticity.

Description

Keywords

income distribution, inequality, downside inequality aversion, transfer sensitivity, market demand elasticity, direct tax policy

Journal Title

Economic Theory

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0938-2259
1432-0479

Volume Title

65

Publisher

Springer