Towards A Fuzzy Index for Inequality. The Case of The Sugarcane Agroindustry in Jalisco, Mexico (2000-2015)

The objective of the paper is to show the increase in rural municipal inequality using fuzzy logic for the state of Jalisco, Mexico, from 2000 to 2015. Methodology: a fuzzy index was developed to measure municipal inequality, considering rural activity, both sugarcane and non-cane, public spending, economic performance, urbanization and the Gini Index. Results: the index showed a trend of increasing inequality between sugarcane and non-cane municipalities. Limitations: The study should ensure a clear conceptual relationship between the analysis tool and the measurement. Value: The use of fuzzy logic reveals that the role of the Mexican state has been important in this, and the proposed index highlights the pattern. Conclusions: during the first sixteen years of the 21st century, municipal and rural inequality in sugarcane and non-cane municipalities in Jalisco increased.