Heterogeneity is a feature of a population resulting from observation; it is a regularity that in the case of income distribution becomes a ‘law’. But it is also a social construct, an idea that becomes a hypothesis for theorization. Heterogeneity matters for what concerns income distribution and taxation. It is nevertheless difficult to circumscribe heterogeneity in Vilfredo Pareto’s writings and to give it the correct interpretation. He mixed heterogeneity deriving from the observation of the current facts with heterogeneity reported in historical accounts, and then with heterogeneity considered as a source of change. Since all these conceptualizations played a major role in his analysis, what we shall attempt to show is that heterogeneity determines outcomes whatever its conceptualization.
Individual and Social Heterogeneity in Vilfredo Pareto
TUSSET, GIANFRANCO
2012
Abstract
Heterogeneity is a feature of a population resulting from observation; it is a regularity that in the case of income distribution becomes a ‘law’. But it is also a social construct, an idea that becomes a hypothesis for theorization. Heterogeneity matters for what concerns income distribution and taxation. It is nevertheless difficult to circumscribe heterogeneity in Vilfredo Pareto’s writings and to give it the correct interpretation. He mixed heterogeneity deriving from the observation of the current facts with heterogeneity reported in historical accounts, and then with heterogeneity considered as a source of change. Since all these conceptualizations played a major role in his analysis, what we shall attempt to show is that heterogeneity determines outcomes whatever its conceptualization.
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