The individual income distribution in Argentina in the period 2000-2009. A unique source of non stationary data

TL;DR

This paper analyzes non-stationary individual income data from Argentina during 2000-2009, especially around the 2002 crisis, introducing a new data treatment method to improve analysis reliability.

Contribution

It presents a novel data treatment method for analyzing non-stationary income data, useful for theoretical and empirical studies in econophysics.

Findings

Income data correspond to non-stationary states.

The new data treatment improves analysis reliability.

Data reflects economic crisis impact on income distribution.

Abstract

The economic crisis in Argentina around year 2002 provides a unique opportunity for Econophysics studies. The available data on individual income are analyzed to show that they correspond to non stationary states. However, the rather restricted size of the data survey imposes difficulties that must be overcome through a careful analysis, for a reliable use. A new method of data treatment is presented that could be helpful in theoretical studies.