Theoretical and Applied Economics
No. 2 / 2026 (647), Summer
Income inequality: The Resource Distribution Index (RDI)
University of Nizwa, Oman
Abstract. Objective: To construct a conceptual innovatory formulation of the Resource Distribution Index (RDI) integrating the distribution of income and the level of accessibility of key resources. This presents a multidimensional perspective of inequality at the micro-level the study attempts to address the issue of inequality paradox at the micro and macro perspective simultaneously. Study/Method: The study is of the archival type and is based on secondary data research and publications. The study constructs the RDI, and then attempts to assess empirically the relation of RDI scores to Gini Index and Palma Ratio.
Results: RDI, paradoxically, in relation to the income measure that suggests more equality, there existed a greater number of poorly accessible key resources. Next, the RDI with the measure of access to resources and income embedded ratio over-spilled limitlessly the other resources in the accessible ratio of the income metrics. Therefore, the RDI the basis of is a perfect platform in establishing the feasibility of the policy recommendations. The assumptions and results of the RDI are congruent with the prevailing, modern, and religious texts.
Study Limitations: The study is bound to a phenomenon that involves secondary data that lacks particular local data. The RDI's applicability may need to be modified to the specific circumstances of the studied population. The RDI can be enhanced by collecting primary data in the next study. Implication: The RDI provides direct social interventions centered on fair resource distribution to policymakers, urban developers, and social community organizers. The RDI, accompanied by additional indicators, provides a framework to communities for assessing and measuring social deprivation, which goes beyond income, inequality. The RDI can be used as a benchmark for other nations, and Australia can similarly, be positioned in pursuit of its goal for Inclusive and Sustainable Development.
Novelty/value: A key element of this study is the development of a novel composite index of inequality that measures income and resource accessibility, providing additional depth to the resource inequality index, and presenting a framework for local interventions designed to achieve change at both the micro and macro levels.
Contents
Military expenditure and economic sustainability: implications of the SAFE program
Regional inequalities and human capital adaptability in Romania
Income inequality: The Resource Distribution Index (RDI)
Testing the weak form efficiency of green financial markets: A comparative study between developed and developing green financial markets
Exploring symmetry and asymmetry in evacuation dynamics: A comprehensive bibliometric and computational analysis
AI-driven marketing models as a competitive advantage in global markets
Does institutional quality promote economic growth in West Africa?
A dynamic panel data analysis of the asymmetric impact of labour cost on intra-EU migration
Determinants of CO2 emissions in ASEAN-5: The role of human development, renewable energy, and economic growth
Effects of digital economy on economic growth: Evidence from low- and middle-income countries in Africa
Adaptive AI, behavioural pattern formation, and the development of human cognition
Tax-driven alignment between conforming and non-conforming earnings management across different accounting standards
Effect of inclusive business models on multidimensional poverty in Burkina Faso
Gross financial wealth or net financial strength? Household balance sheets and economic development in the European Union
Government expenditures and tax policy: A comprehensive fiscal analysis for Greece from 1974 to 2018
What is the nature of the relationship between inflation and economic growth? Empirical evidence for the 13 least developed African countries
Digital trust and consumer psychology: A robust analysis of youth entrepreneurship in emerging Indian markets
Can monetary policy drive inclusive social development in Africa? Instrumental variables quantile regression approach
Analysing the relationship between tourist flows and socio-economic development. A comparative case study: Romania vs. PIGS countries