Gini coefficient inequality measure – UGC NET Question

The Gini coefficient is derived from the Lorenz curve and summarises inequality on a scale from 0 to 1. A value of 0 represents perfect equality,while a value closer to 1 indicates extreme inequality. The stem describes exactly this type of measure,so Gini coefficient is the correct answer. It is widely used in development and inequality studies.

Option A:
The Lorenz index is sometimes used synonymously with the Gini coefficient but more commonly refers to the graphical representation of income distribution. The stem specifically asks for a coefficient between 0 and 1,which is conventionally called the Gini coefficient,so this option is less precise.

Option B:
Poverty gap quantifies the depth of poverty by measuring how far, on average,the incomes of the poor fall below the poverty line. It is related to poverty intensity rather than overall inequality,so it cannot fill the blank correctly.

Option C:
Gini coefficient condenses the entire income distribution into a single number capturing inequality. It allows comparisons across countries and time periods. Because the stem points to a 0–1 scale indicator of inequality,this term exactly matches.

Option D:
Human poverty index is a composite indicator that once measured deprivation in basic dimensions like longevity,knowledge and decent standard of living. It is not a pure measure of income inequality,so it does not fit the description.