This article analyzes the measurement of the diversity of sets based on the dissimilarity of the objects contained in the set. We discuss axiomatic approaches to diversity measurement and examine the considerations underlying the application of specific measures. Our focus is on descriptive issues: rather than assuming a specific ethical position or restricting attention to properties that are appealing in specific applications, we address the foundations of the measurement issue as such in the context of diversity.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Barberà, S., W. Bossert and P.K. Pattanaik (forthcoming) `Ranking Sets of Objects', in S. Barberà, P.J. Hammond and C. Seidl (eds) Handbook of Utility Theory, Vol. II: Extensions. Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic Publishers .
2.
Bossert, W., P.K. Pattanaik and Y. Xu (2001) `The Measurement of Diversity', Discussion Paper 01-21 Riverside, CA: Department of Economics, University of California at Riverside .
3.
Bossert, W. and J.A. Weymark (forthcoming) `Utility in Social Choice', in S. Barberà, P.J. Hammond and C. Seidl (eds) Handbook of Utility Theory, Vol. II: Extensions. Dordrecht: Kluwer .
4.
Jones, P. and R. Sugden (1982) `Evaluating Choice' , International Review of Law and Economics2: 47-65 .
5.
Nehring, K. and C. Puppe (2002) `A Theory of Diversity' , Econometrica70: 1155-1198 .
6.
Pattanaik, P. K. and Y. Xu (1990) `On Ranking Opportunity Sets in Terms of Freedom of Choice' , Recherches Economiques de Louvain56: 383-390 .
7.
Pattanaik, P. K. and Y. Xu (2000) `On Diversity and Freedom of Choice' , Mathematical Social Sciences40: 123-130 .
8.
Sen, A. K. (1991) `Welfare, Preference and Freedom' , Journal of Econometrics50: 15-29 .
9.
Weikard, H.-P. (1998) `On the Measurement of Diversity', Discussion Paper 9801. University of Graz: Institute of Public Economics .
10.
Weitzman, M. (1992) `On Diversity' , Quarterly Journal of Economics107: 363-405 .
