Document Type
Working Paper
Publication Date
7-8-2022
JEL Codes
A10, A20, D63, I3
Abstract
This paper explains how to use a macro-enabled Excel workbook, Gini.xlsm, to teach basic concepts about income inequality as a standalone, one-time class at the undergraduate level. The material unfolds in a series of steps that highlight the benefits of social cooperation and enable students to explore varying degrees of redistribution. The Gini Coefficient is explained with dynamic charts that update as the student makes changes. The Excel workbook contains 13 questions and this paper provides answers. This presentation of the material was inspired by Nozick’s Anarchy, State, and Utopia (relevant passages are included in the Excel workbook) and this paper contains suggestions for supplemental readings and additional ideas for class discussion. Download the freely-available Excel workbook at tiny.cc/giniexcel.
Author's RePEc Short ID
pba1125
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4822-038XRecommended Citation
Humberto Barreto, 2022. "One-shot Inequality, Gini, and Redistribution via Microsoft Excel," Working Papers 2022-02, DePauw University.
Comments
Thanks to Frank Howland, Guangjun Qu, and Michele Villinski for feedback and suggestions.