The Mathematical Foundations of Inequality Analysis

(1970) and Kolm (1969) discovered the mathematical foundations of inequality measurement. More precisely, they pointed out the relevance for inequality measurement of a branch of mathematics known today as majorization. In permitting a deep understanding of the Lorenz partial ordering, the celebrated Hardy, Littlewood and Polya Theorem (1929) is certainly central in that respect. Also, from a historical point of view their work initiated an important stream of research which is presented in (1979) and has continued today in various directions.