Asymptotically distribution free statistical tests for comparing absolute and relative Lorenz and concentration curves are provided. The procedures do not require independent samples and can be used to test for marginal changes in income distributions. The tests are illustrated using a large...

Statistical inference procedures are developed for A. K. Sen's distribution-sensitive index of poverty and each of its components--the headcount ratio, income gap ratio, and the Gini index of the poor. Using results from U-statistics, the authors show that estimates of the index and its...