This paper characterizes an index that is informationally richer than the commonly used ethno-linguistic fractionalization (ELF) index. Our measure of fractionalization takes as a primitive the individuals, as opposed to ethnic groups, and uses information on the similarities among them. Compared to existing indices, our measure does not require that individuals are pre-assigned to exogenously determined categories or groups. We provide an empirical illustration of how our index can be operationalized and what difference it makes as compared to the standard ELF index. This application pertains to the pattern of fractionalization in the USA. © The Authors. Economica © 2010 The London School of Economics and Political Science.
Bossert, W., D'Ambrosio, C., La Ferrara, E. (2011). A generalized index of fractionalization. ECONOMICA, 78(312), 723-750 [10.1111/j.1468-0335.2010.00844.x].
A generalized index of fractionalization
D'AMBROSIO, CONCHITASecondo
;
2011
Abstract
This paper characterizes an index that is informationally richer than the commonly used ethno-linguistic fractionalization (ELF) index. Our measure of fractionalization takes as a primitive the individuals, as opposed to ethnic groups, and uses information on the similarities among them. Compared to existing indices, our measure does not require that individuals are pre-assigned to exogenously determined categories or groups. We provide an empirical illustration of how our index can be operationalized and what difference it makes as compared to the standard ELF index. This application pertains to the pattern of fractionalization in the USA. © The Authors. Economica © 2010 The London School of Economics and Political Science.
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