This study aims at verifying a statistically significant change in Brazilian income distribution during the period between 1987 and 2005. To do so we adopt several statistical tools, as the calculation of standard deviations of inequality measures, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, nonparametric density estimation via kernel smoothing and bootstrap, and stochastic dominance of first and second orders. The results point to a significative change in the income distributive pattern. Finally, we conclude that changes in income distribution are related to higher levels of economic welfare.
