Verdelingscurves

Verdelingscurves, also known as Lorenz curves, are graphical representations used to depict the distribution of income, wealth, or other economic quantities among individuals or households within a population. They were introduced by the Swedish economist Max O. Lorenz in 1905. The curve is plotted on a coordinate system where the cumulative percentage of the population is on the x-axis, and the cumulative percentage of the total income or wealth is on the y-axis. The curve starts at the origin (0,0) and ends at the point (100,100), representing the entire population and total income or wealth.

The shape of the Lorenz curve provides insights into the inequality within a population. A perfectly equal distribution would result in a straight line from the origin to (100,100), indicating that each individual receives an equal share of the total income or wealth. Conversely, a highly unequal distribution would result in a curve that hugs the x-axis for a significant portion, indicating that a small percentage of the population holds a large share of the total income or wealth.

The Gini coefficient is a common measure used to quantify the inequality depicted by a Lorenz curve. It ranges from 0 to 1, where 0 represents perfect equality and 1 represents perfect inequality. The Gini coefficient is calculated as the area between the Lorenz curve and the line of equality, divided by the area under the line of equality.

Verdelingscurves are widely used in economics, sociology, and other social sciences to analyze and compare income and wealth distributions across different populations and over time. They provide a visual and quantitative tool for understanding and addressing issues of economic inequality.