Gintropy: Gini index based generalization of Entropy

Abstract

Entropy is being used in physics, mathematics, informatics and in related areas to describe equilibration, dissipation, maximal probability states and optimal compression of information. The Gini index on the other hand is an established measure for social and economical inequalities in a society. In this paper we explore the mathematical similarities and connections in these two quantities and introduce a new measure that is capable to connect these two at an interesting analogy level. This supports the idea that a generalization of the Gibbs--Boltzmann--Shannon entropy, based on a transformation of the Lorenz curve, can properly serve in quantifying different aspects of complexity in socio- and econo-physics.