Why is median income often preferred over average income in measurement?

The preference for median income over average income in measurement is primarily because the median provides a more accurate representation of the middle of the income distribution. The median is the value that separates the higher half from the lower half of a dataset, making it particularly useful in understanding the typical income of a population without being distorted by outliers.

When average income is calculated, it can be significantly impacted by extremely high or low incomes, leading to a skewed representation of the overall economic situation. For example, if several individuals earn very high incomes, the average can suggest that the income level is much higher than what the majority actually experiences. In contrast, the median will remain stable, reflecting the income of the person in the middle of the distribution, which is often more representative of what most people earn.

This characteristic makes median income a crucial tool for sociologists and policymakers who seek to understand economic conditions and address issues related to income inequality.