We consider the problem of ranking distributions of opportunity sets on the basis of equality. First, conditional on a given ranking of individual opportunity sets, we define the notion of an equalizing transformation. Then, assuming that the opportunity sets are ranked according to the...

This paper studies the possibility of progressive income taxation of heterogeneous populations. While a result due to Moyes and Shorrocks (1994) indicates that there does not exist a universally inequality-reducing tax structure which distinguishes between at least two subpopulations (in the...

We develop a theory of representation of interdependent preferences that reflect the widely acknowledged phenomenon of keeping up with the Joneses (i.e. of those preferences which maintain that well-being depend on "relative standing" in the society as well as on material consumption). The...