Improving Income Distribution in Urban Areas of Iran (Approach to Determining Policy Centers Based on Occupational Groups)

The study analyzed inequality in Iran's provinces using the Atkinson index, Zanga index, and Gini coefficient based on occupational groups. Reducing inequality is an essential economic and social issue, and regional disparities impede growth and development of any region. Focusing on each province's regional economy can lead to better development planning. Therefore, the calculation of inequality is required. Considering that the Gini coefficient and the Zanga index are statistical tools for measuring inequality and the Atkinson index is derived from the social welfare of individuals; therefore, the effects of income distribution in society in two dimensions have been measured. For this purpose, the study used cost and income data of urban households in Iran from 2013-2019. The Location Quotient approach is used to determine each province's target occupational group to understand regional inequality better and improve it as much as possible. Accordingly, the "managers" and "employees" have a better income distribution than other occupational groups in most provinces. On the other hand, compared to other occupational groups, in most provinces, the "operators and assemblers of machinery, and drivers" and "simple workers" have a more challenging situation. Thus, they should prioritize the target occupational groups to improve income distribution.