Tools often used around the world to measure inequality, such as the Gini index, can act in unexpected ways in certain situations. This is highlighted by economists F. A. Cowell and E. Flachaire.
Why do some people keep smoking, even when a loved one has become seriously ill because of tobacco? A study based on 200,000 people in France shows that these “family shocks” have very little impact on behaviour. The findings raise questions about the effectiveness of prevention policies.