Theory Of Redistribution Research Articles

Anthony Crosland on equality and state

Anthony Crosland, Oxford economist and Labour Party politician, developed a sophisticated approach to Britain's mixed economy and post-war welfare state in The Future of Socialism and other writings. This paper examines his theory of redistribution and citizenship in order to establish why he assigned to the State the responsibility for producing a greater equality both of opportunity and of outcome than was possible under the free market order. In respect of opportunity, Crosland looked to State education, public housing and income maintenance for the liberation of potential that would make the selective process of competitive capitalism into a genuinely fair race. In respect of the outcome, Crosland wanted to level finishes and not simply starts in the case of wealth, power and culture that were for him the architects of intolerable social distance. The paper concludes with an evaluation of Crosland's theory and proposals.

Collisional redistribution of light: a comparative study of the density operator and optical collisional approaches

We present an outline of both the redistribution theory and the optical collision approaches. Starting from the general theory of collisional redistribution we show how it reduces to the weak-field binary-collision limit. The optical collision method is discussed here for the case of a degenerate atom perturbed by e.g. a rare gas. This approach also provides a natural basis for a nonadiabatic theory of collisionally broadened lineshapes. The connection between both approaches is demonstrated by the equivalence of the collision operator of redistribution theory and the scattering matrices for optical collisions. As applications the quasistatic limit of the theory and the depolarization of the fluorescence for the model adiabatic reorientation are discussed.

Atomic coherences and level-crossings physics

A synthesis work about the interaction of matter with polarized radiation, applied to solar magnetic field diagnostics, has recently been done by Stenflo (1994). This synthesis uses the classical theory of matter-radiation interaction - supplemented by the theory of partial redistribution of Omont, Smith, and Cooper (1972), on the one hand, and full quantum matter-radiation interaction theory, unable to take into account the partial frequency redistribution effects, on the other hand. The need of a full quantum approach taking into account the partial frequency redistribution effects appears as a unifying purpose; the present work, using the density matrix formalism, is a first attempt in this direction.

All displaced workers are not created equal: The political economy of worker adjustment assistance in France

This paper analyzes the political economy of adjustment assistance benefits paid to selected groups of displaced workers. Several competing theories of income redistribution are discussed, including social insurance motives and political support motives, a dichotomy laid out by Hillman (1988) and Baldwin (1989). The Becker (1983) hypothesis concerning the role of dead-weight loss factors is addressed. Based on descriptive and empirical analysis of an original French data set, it is argued that the politico-economic characteristics that render an industry and its workforce more likely to receive these benefits are those associated with the Olson (1982) model of the logic of collective action. Some evidence is found, however, that social insurance factors play a partial role. The pattern of income redistribution does not appear to be strongly influenced by the deadweight loss factors that Becker stresses.

Rydberg atom driven by a sequence of two laser pulses: Ramsey interferometry.

Following the experiment of Jones et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 71, 2575 (1993)], we present a theory of coherent redistribution of population in a model Rydberg atom exposed to a sequence of two identical laser pulses separated in time and shorter in duration than the Rydberg-electron Kepler period. For different initial-population conditions, we solve the problem of redistribution in a fully analytical and rigorously nonperturbative way, thus obtaining discrete-state population amplitudes, dependent on laser intensity, and a time delay between the pulses. Using this solution, we study the population in a given state versus pulse delay (Ramsey fringes), as well as the corresponding Fourier spectrum, for both low and high laser intensities. From the number of frequency components and their positions in the Fourier spectrum, we deduce the redistribution of the initial-state population over a number of states by the first pulse. Within our model calculations we achieve qualitative agreement with the experimental observation of Jones et al. that an increase in laser intensity results in a general increase in the number of frequency components in the Fourier spectrum. Our theoretical results are also consistent with the experimental finding of Noordam et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 68, 1496 (1992)] that Raman transitions via the continuum between different Rydberg states are essential for population redistribution. We suggest new experiments to measure the effect of the initial-state depletion on the Fourier spectrum. As follows from our model calculations, some frequency components (both low and optical) present in the low-intensity Fourier spectrum should vanish in the high-intensity spectrum due to complete depletion of the initial state by the first pulse.

A classical path theory of collisional redistribution in CaHe spin-changing energy transfer collisions

We have applied a semiclassical (classical path quantum close-coupling) nonadiabatic theory of collisional redistribution to model Ca–He spin-changing energy transfer collisions. The theory predicts the total far wing absorption and final state resolved action spectra. The semiclassical model predictions are in excellent agreement with full quantum mechanical close-coupling calculations [J. Chem. Phys. 95, 5861 (1991)] and both are in good accord with the experimental observations.

Redistribution from a constitutional perspective

In its traditional form, Paretian welfare economics has little to say about policies of redistribution. I argue that by adopting a constitutional perspective, elements of a theory of redistribution can be developed without recourse to interpersonal utility comparisons. Individuals who find themselves under an imperfect veil of uncertainty at a constitutional stage face a tradeoff between the costs and benefits of redistribution. The benefits consist of a reduction in the variance of a risk-averse agent's income distribution. The costs are represented by deadweight losses caused either by bureaucracy or by disincentive effects associated with the transfer scheme. My simple formal analysis shows that individuals may, even under an imperfect veil of uncertainty, be able to agree unanimously on a certain transfer policy if their personal characteristics are not too different from each other.

Slow collisions between identical atoms in a laser field: Application of the Born and Markov approximations to the system of moving atoms.

We have derived reduced-density-matrix equations of motion for a pair of two identical atoms moving in the radiation field as the first step in establishing a theory of collisional redistribution of light from neutral-atom traps. We use the Zwanzig projection-operator technique to average over spontaneous field modes and establish the conditions under which Born and Markov approximations can be applied to the system of moving atoms. It follows from these considerations that when these conditions hold, the reduced-density-matrix equation for moving atoms has the same form as that for the stationary case: time dependence is introduced into the decay rates and interaction potentials by making the substitution R=R(t).

Destruction terms in non-Markovian collisional redistribution.

A method is given to evaluate directly the ``destruction'' terms which occur in the non-Markovian theory of collisional redistribution when two photon events occur within a single collision. It shows that these terms, which are important for large detunings, may be expressed as separate stationary-phase (quasistatic) principal-value (antistatic) components. In contrast to previous work, the method easily extends to take into account atomic-state degeneracy.

Test of quasiclassical theories of redistribution in atomic collisions

The first numerical tests, for a real system, of the quasiclassical description of redistribution of polarized radiation through atomic collisions are presented. Polarization results are reported for red-wing redistribution of Sr${(}^{1}$${\mathrm{S}}_{0}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathrm{}}^{1}$${\mathrm{P}}_{1}$) in the presence of Ar colliders. They compare favorably to recent quantal, nonadiabatic computations. It is shown that the effects of bent trajectories are important. Modified quasiclassical formulas to account for some of these are presented and tested. The results indicate that quasiclassical analysis can be used to probe the transformation from molecular to atomic states as atoms separate in a half-collision.

Depolarisation in Na-Ar optical collisions

The depolarisation of the redistributed Na D1 and D2 line fluorescence caused by Na-Ar collisions after far-wing excitation was investigated. In the limit of zero Ar density the J=1/2 orientation and J=3/2 alignment reflect the distribution among Zeeman sublevels of Na 32PJ produced after absorption of a photon into one or several excited Na-Ar molecular states at small internuclear separation, followed by a mixing between these states during dissociation. Measurements of these quantities as functions of the detuning up to Delta omega J=50 cm-1 in the red wings are compared with quantum-mechanical coupled-channel (CC) calculations using realistic molecular potentials and thermal averaging, and with predictions from the factorisation approximation (FA) of the theory of redistribution. Fair agreement with CC calculations and FA predictions was obtained within the impact region, proving the validity of the factorisation assumption there. Outside this region the overall depolarisation is primarily due to reorientation of the Na 3P electronic angular momentum and is reproduced qualitatively by the CC calculations but not by the FA theory. Additional depolarisation connected with the fine-structure coupling was observed.

A Politico-Economic Theory of Income Redistribution

This study integrates models of income redistribution developed by economists, who suggest that citizens voluntarily redistribute because of interdependent preferences and rely on the state for implementation owing to the public-good nature of redistribution, and political scientists, who focus on conditions that lead to demands that the state intervene to assist the poor and on the development of institutions that facilitate such demands. We propose a testable theory of redistribution and apply it to data from the American states.The empirical analysis addresses determinants of the Aid to Families with Dependent Children guarantee, adjusted for Medicaid and food stamps to which a family receiving the guarantee would be entitled. We posit significant links between the guarantee and both observable explanatory variables, such as per-capita income, and latent constructs, such as liberal party control. We specify observable indicators for the latent constructs and use the LISREL method to estimate parameters for the indicators and structural coefficients. The findings show that both political and economic variables significantly affect the level of the guarantee.

Trickle Down or Transfers? Postwar Determinants of Family Income Inequality

The expansion of social welfare has been promoted as one means of equalizing the distribution of economic well-being. Macroeconomic expansion has been touted as an alternative strategy for improving the lot of the poor. Focusing on the postwar era, this paper provides an empirical assessment of these two competing theories of income redistribution. For female-headed families and unrelated men and women, the growth of public transfers is seen to be the major force behind a reduction in income disparities. Only husband-wife families and men living apart from kin seem to have experienced any distributional impact of business cycles.

Collisional redistribution of intense phase-fluctuation radiation

The authors incorporate in the theory of collisional redistribution of resonance radiation the effect of a finite bandwidth of the intense incident radiation. The phase of the radiation is treated as a process with independent increments, which contains the phase-diffusion model as a special case. These phase fluctuations give rise to effective decay operators affecting the evolution of the density matrix and the regression of the correlation function. For a two-level atom suffering binary collisions the combined effect of collisions and phase fluctuations on the fluorescence spectrum is evaluated in several limiting cases of practical interest.

Model microfield theory of redistribution of laser radiation

A theoretical study is presented which permits the analysis of multiphoton processes in the presence of homogeneous, inhomogeneous, and power-broadening mechanisms. A method derived from the Markov model microfield theory is used. This is based on the statistics of the fluctuations of the interaction between the radiator and a perturbing environment. Application is made to velocity-changing collisions in Doppler-free spectroscopy and to homogeneous and inhomogeneous pressure broadening in two-photon absorption or resonance fluorescence.

Far wing depolarisation of collision-induced fluorescence

Redistribution and depolarisation of light scattered by atoms undergoing collisions outside the impact region of the line profile has been studied experimentally and theoretically. In a cell experiment intensity and linear degree of polarisation of the fluorescence components 32S1/2 to or from 32P1/2,3/2 of Na atoms induced by collisions with Ar buffer gas atoms were measured as functions of the laser frequency omega L. The decrease of polarisation of the D2 component observed when omega L is shifted away from the D2 toward D1 resonance disagrees with calculations on the basis of the factorisation approximation of the theory of redistribution. Using Baylis (1975) potentials for the Na/Ar system, the effect is interpreted in terms of adiabatic coupling of the 32P3/2 electronic angular momentum to the collision axis during 'strong' collisions, giving rise to a greater than average depolarisation.

Motion of polymorphonuclear leukocytes: theory of receptor redistribution and the frictional force on a moving cell.

As a cell moves over a surface, the distribution of membrane proteins that adhere to the surface will be changed relative to the distribution of these molecules on a static cell. Observations of this redistribution offer, in principle, evidence as to the mechanisms of membrane dynamics during cell locomotion. Toward extracting such information we present and analyze a mathematical model of receptor transport in the membrane by diffusion and convection, as affected by the making and breaking of the bonds between the receptors and the surface as the cell moves. We show that the disruption of receptor-surface bonds at the tail of the cell provides a mechanism by which the frictional force opposing a cell's motion is exerted, and calculate the magnitude of this force as a function of cell velocity. Assuming this to be the major contribution to the frictional force, we show that when the shear force on a cell is above a critical value it is no longer possible for the cell to slide across the surface. For such large forces, it is still possible for the cell to roll; alternatively the cell can be torn free of the surface. Our analysis of existing data on movement of polymorphonuclear leukocytes indicates that cell motion is not accompanied by a bulk flow of membrane from the front to the back of the cell. The data also indicate that cells do not tend to roll as they move over a surface under normal conditions. The data are most consistent with a model where the membrane as a whole is stationary but where receptors that bind to the surface become coupled to submembrane contractile proteins.

The construction of the demand for public goods and the theory of income redistribution

Traditional analysis of public goods like income redistribution explicitly assumes that people's preferences toward a specific good differ. Given this assumption, we see no reason why some people's demands cannot extend downward into the negative quadrant or originate in the negative quadrant. In short, we see reason why a government good or service cannot be a ‘public good’ to some people and, at the same time, a ‘public good’ to other people. The purpose of this note has been to draw out the logical implications of the assumption that people's individual demands are spread out over the first and fourth quadrants. We have shown that such as assumption requires an adjustment in the way the demand for a public good is constructed and that such an assumption requires that we adjust significantly our conclusions regarding the Pareto efficiency of collectivization of aid to the poor. A central conclusion drawn from the analysis is that a move from private to public charity may very well lead to a reduction in the amount of aid received by the poor and may, therefore, be Pareto inefficient. Further, we have concluded that people other than the poor may, because of the public poverty programme, be necessary beneficiaries of the public transfer system. There may be good arguments for public charity; however, the public goods argument is not necessarily one of them. These conclusions should not seem bizarre. When the political process permits income redistribution, it should surprise no one that people with negative as well as positive demands for poverty relief allow their preferences to be known to the people who must act on the legislation. In addition, it should surprise no one to learn that political compromises, involving public subsidy programs for the poor and the not-so-poor, are, from time to time, developed and that the welfare state, for that reason and to that extent, can expand substantially beyond the bounds implied in efforts to help only the truly poor.

Collisional depolarization and redistribution of laser radiation in near resonance with a2 P 3/2?2 S 1/2 transition

We have investigated experimentally and theoretically the spectral distribution and collisional depolarization of laser light near resonant to the Na transition 32S1/2↔32P3/2 scattered from a Na/Ar mixture in a cell (nNa≈4.0×1010cm−3,nAr≈1.0×1017cm−3). In particular, at excitation intensity of ≈3mW/mm2 and bandwidth of <10 MHz, intensityIF and linear polarization degreePF of theD2-fluorescence component of the scattered spectrum have been measured as functions of the laser detuningΔλL from theD2-resonance within two regions: 1) ¦ΔλL¦-Doppler-width; 2) 20≧¦ΔλL¦/ΔλD≧1. Within the first region the influence of hyperfine splitting as well as pumping of the hyperfine and Zeeman sublevels of 32S1/2 was studied in detail. Using an overall, total collision cross section for depolarization of 32P3/2 state atoms, calculations on the basis of the theory of redistribution reproduce qualitatively, but in a consistent manner, the experimental functionsIF(ΔλL) andPF(ΔλL). The possibility to derive differential cross sections fromPF(ΔλL) is discussed.

Altruism and Economic Behavior, I Developments in the Theory of Public and Private Redistribution

Abstract. The principal recent contributions from economics toward the understanding of behavior that is, or seems to be, altruistic, are discussed. Relevant developments in anthropology, biology and psychology are also introduced. Most of these models rely on some form of sophisticated goal maximization (attainment of power, genetic propagation, long‐term influence or even material benefit by means of a complex dynamic game strategy) and hence describe quasialtruistic behavior which is, in fact, consistent with individual welfare maximization. When looking at the public sector, government redistributive programs are considered by some to be expressions of collective altruism but these in fact have their roots in an implicit social contract enforced by the coercive power of the State. Genuine altruism must be action taken without expectation of reward or coercion and it is not to be found in models of concealed requirement or in forcible redistribution. A subsequent article discusses the area in which private activity can achieve more efficiently the redistributive objective.