Nonparametric Tests of Stochastic Dominance in Income Distributions

Abstract

A class of tests for first, second, and third order stochastic dominance, together with modifications to the Pearson goodness of fit test are proposed for the nonparametric comparison of income distributions. They are implemented and compared with tests for generalised Lorenz dominance (which is the indirect test of second order stochastic dominance currently employed in income distribution studies) utilizing Canadian family income data. Copyright 1996 by The Econometric Society.