3
1
The Gini coefficients for 1971 and 1976 were respectively 0.44 and 0.43. Given the reservations on the data, no
firm conclusions can be drawn from this small change.
5. Median household monthly incomes at current prices reported in the 1971 Census and the 1976 By Census were respectively $708 and $1,426. Discounting increases
in consumer prices between 1971 and 1976 (+59%), these represent an average annual rate of real increase of 4.9% compared with an average annual rate of increase Part of the of 6.8% in per capita GDP in real terms. discrepancy can be explained by the reasoning given in paragraph 2(a); but, even if this were not so, the different statistical concepts involved in the two measures suggest that the discrepancy is probably well within the margin of error of the estimates. So rather than comparing them, the two percentages should be used together as evidence supporting improvements in real income over the years.
6.
+
Certain demographic changes between 1971 and 1976 have affected the distribution of income:
(a) The economically active population has become
younger. Usually young people earn less than middle aged people. If between two points in time, the population of working age becomes younger, the distribution of income (in the absence of other changes) earned become more unequal. But it could not be argued that this greater inequality was in fact a deterioration.
(b) The economically active population contains a higher
proportion of females. As female labour is paid
less than male, an increase in female participation will increase the proportion of lower paid workers. This will probably increase the inequality of
income distribution.
COM.
.....
/The.
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