tulonjakoa

Tulonjako, in Finnish economics, refers to how income within an economy is distributed among its population. It encompasses earnings from work, returns on capital, transfers, and taxes, and can be analyzed for different groups (by age, gender, region) or across the entire population. A key distinction is between market income (before government action) and disposable income (after taxes and transfers).

Measurement of tulonjako relies on several tools. The Lorenz curve plots the cumulative share of income against the cumulative share of households, while the Gini coefficient quantifies inequality on a scale from zero (perfect equality) to one (maximum inequality). Other measures include the Palma ratio and Theil or Atkinson indices. Data sources include household income surveys, tax records, and national accounts. Comparisons often focus on disposable income to reflect living standards after policy interventions.

Determinants of tulonjako are diverse. The distribution of wages and salaries, ownership of capital, and the rate of unemployment influence outcomes. Education, skills, and occupation shape earnings, while family structure, gender, and age affect transmission of income. Public policy—through progressive taxation, social transfers, and public services—plays a critical role in shaping the final distribution.

Policy relevance and debates center on equity and social welfare versus efficiency and growth. Countries with comprehensive welfare states and targeted redistribution tend to exhibit more equal tulonjako, though globalization and technological change can exert pressure toward greater dispersion. Measurement challenges remain, including data comparability and the choice of income concept (market versus disposable).