The art of not seeing like a state. On the ideology of “informality”

Abstract

The concept of “informality” was introduced by anthropologist Keith Hart in the 1970s to point to the economic significance of unregistered labour practices in Ghana. It constitutes an attempt to create a dialogue between anthropology’s local perspective and the state-centered theoretical framework of established social science and economics models derived primarily from the study and common sense of modern, Western society. The concept of “informality” can only be so successful because it accepts the basic premises and implicit ideology of the state-centered discourse it enters into. The concept tacitly acknowledges the analytically subordination of practices not bureaucratically registered. Stressing the importance of practices outside state registration and bureaucratic organisation in a wider interdisciplinary discourse remains valuable and much needed. Therefore the concept of “informality” rightfully continues to receive much attention. Yet, when it’s ideological baggage and analytical limitations are not recognized and reflected the concept becomes a contributing force in the ongoing naturalization of state power hegemony, global bureaucratization and the de-legitimization of non-state, non-bureaucratic modes of organization.