Which of the following statements about income inequality is true?

• A. All countries worldwide have the same level of income inequality.
• B. The Gini coefficient is a commonly used measure of income inequality.
• C. Income inequality has decreased steadily in the United States since the 1980s.
• D. Income inequality is not affected by government policies or taxation.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of income inequality, which refers to the extent to which income is distributed unevenly among a population.
2. Recognize that the Gini coefficient is a widely used statistical measure to quantify income inequality, where 0 represents perfect equality and 1 represents maximum inequality.
3. Evaluate the statements by comparing them to known economic facts: income inequality varies across countries, so it is not the same worldwide.
4. Recall historical trends in income inequality, such as the fact that in the United States, income inequality has generally increased since the 1980s, not decreased.
5. Consider the role of government policies and taxation, which can significantly influence income distribution and thus affect income inequality.