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Synopsis This seminal work, first published in 1973, presents a systematic treatment of the conceptual framework as well as the practical problems of measurement of economic inequality. Alternative approaches are evaluated in terms of their philosophical assumptions, economic content, and statistical requirements. It integrates the relevant literature with substantive issues that make inequality a matter of great practical interest. In a new annexe recent developments in this area and their bearing on the evaluation and measurement of inequality and poverty are examined. Some of the analytical issues partially examined in the original edition of the book have been subjected to a more rigorous treatment. Many policy-related contemporary issues have been identified and successfully investigated. This book, despite being technical in some parts, lays down the basic concepts in non-technical terms, and offers intuitive explanations for mathematical results. This makes it equally accessible to the technical and the non-technical reader.