METHODOLOGICAL SELECTION OF DIMENSIONS FOR ASSESSING REGIONAL SOCIAL STRATIFICATION TRENDS: THE TRIANGULAR CONVERGENCE INDEX (TCI) MODEL

Abstract

Selecting analytical dimensions for composite index construction constitutes a central methodological challenge. This paper proposes a novel methodological approach—the Triangular Convergence Index (TCI) model—for selecting dimensions of a Regional Social Stratification Index covering Uzbekistan's 14 regions. The model integrates three independent sources through binary convergence matrices: (1) twenty classical and contemporary theoretical schools; (2) seven leading international composite indices (UNDP HDI/MPI, OECD Regional Well-being, EU RCI 2.0, EU-SPI, UN-Habitat CPI, Chetty's Opportunity Atlas); (3) six strategic policy documents of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The final TCI score is calculated via weighted aggregation: TCI = 0.40·T + 0.35·I + 0.25·P. Calculations across eight candidate dimensions yield seven dimensions with "strong" or "moderate" inclusion status, and one dimension (intergenerational mobility) with "conditional (specially justified)" status. Sensitivity analysis confirms weight-robustness of inclusion decisions. The model represents an original scholarly contribution by formalizing Denzin's triangulation principle quantitatively within the composite-indicator framework and is applicable to assessing regional stratification in other developing economies.