Abstract

This essay explores theoretical and practical problems arising from the impact of liberalization/globalization and its latest crisis on India’s informal economy - heavily populated by petty commodity producers (PCP) and petty traders. Its theoretical focus is the distinction between PCP and ‘labour’ more generally because it is now common practice theoretically to elide the two kinds of work. Reviewing field material it focuses on two aspects of India’s informal economy – the persistence of small firms and their regulation by social institutions rather than by the state. These social institutions express identity as well as class. Its practical concerns are on the impact of globalization on PCP and labour in global value chains and the effects of the financial crisis on PCP in India’s informal economy.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.