The MAny DIMensions of INequality – MADIMIN

The project aims at developing and implementing new methods for appraising inequalities in human condition when those inequalities are multidimensional and/or ordinal. An important aspects of those considered inequalities concerns the opportunity to succeed. The project will contribute to these issues from both a theoretical and empirical perspective. On the theoretical side, we aim at enlarging to the multidimensional setting the ordinal notion of equalization underlying the Hammond principle of transfer and to examine, within that very same multidimensional setting, how can one combines aversion to correlation between variables and the concern for equalizing each of those variables in isolation. The objective of this research is to provide the policy analyst with easily usable criteria that enables the comparisons of alternatives states of affairs based on those considerations. The research will also identify plausible indicators of the "size of the cake" in an ordinal context which could serve as the analogue to the mean used for this purpose in a cardinal framework. As for opportunities, the aim will be again to complete the existing methods for identifying improvement and equalization of chances of success. We will also try to explain why the widespread aversion to inequality of opportunities does not translate - in the policy sphere - to a heavier taxation on inheritance and gains from loteries and gambles. On the empirical front, the research will perform an exhaustive appraisal of the relative performance of India and Europe (notably France) in reducing inequalities of opportunities between social groups formed on the basis of caste (in India) and country of birth (in Europe). The research will also apply robust methodologies for appraising the relative performance of private and public schools in providing to their pupils cognitive skills in a way that takes into account the differing social backgrounds of those pupils. The research will also examine, in China, the link between elitism and equality of opportunities to access university.