Equivalence Scales Based on Stochastic Indifference Criterion: The Case of Poland

Abstract

The paper presents the concept of the stochastic equivalence scale (SES), which is based on the stochastic indifference criterion. The SES is any function that transforms the expenditure distribution of a specific group of households in such a way that the resulting distribution is stochastically indifferent from the expenditure distribution of a reference group of households. The stochastic indifference criteria are also used in developing the method of the estimation of the SES. Non-parametric and parametric SESs are estimated using the Polish Household Budget Survey for the years 2005–2010.