Citation

Midlarsky MI. Math. Comput. Model. 1989; 12(4-5): 577-587.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1989, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/0895-7177(89)90426-3

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study presents an expository geometric derivation of the Pareto distribution with applications to conflict behavior. In contrast to typical stochastic models which assume equiprobability of access to scarce resources, the derivation here assumes sequential arrivals of colonists or other resource acquisitors. A log-exponential distribution is derived which turns out to be identical to the Pareto law of income distribution, the derivation here differing from others in its emphasis on sequential arrivals and resource scarcity. This model is then applied to the upper tail of land distribution in El Salvador and the distribution of colonial populations in 1914. In both cases, the log-exponential (Pareto) distribution can be accepted while the exponential itself as a plausible theoretical rival is rejected. Invariance properties of the Pareto distribution suggest reasons why political violence is likely if the model holds throughout the range of resource holdings, as was the case in 1914.