Disparity Measures
by
Rachel Kyle
Statistics New Zealand

Two phrases currently being used by Government are, 'Closing the Gaps' and 'measuring disparity'. Statistics New Zealand is involved in the discussions on these areas, particularly with regard to measurement issues. Our role is to advise and co-ordinate other agencies in the collection of consistent and reliable information on New Zealanders and its sub-populations and the methods used to construct indicators to monitor areas of concern. One of the perceived needs, is a set of key indicators to be used by agencies to measure differences in core characteristics between populations of interest.

This talk will discuss what properties these indicators should have and how they are used. Problems with current techniques used for measuring disparity; the need for composite indicators; and other issues related to the topic, such as standardisation and confidentiality, will also be covered.

Date received: August 17, 2000

Copyright © 2000 by the author(s). The author(s) of this document and the organizers of the conference have granted their consent to include this abstract in Atlas Conferences Inc. Document # cadt-23.