Informal Labor Research Articles

Estimating Skill Mismatch in the Indian Labour Market: A Regional Dimension

The article provides an overview of the very pertinent skill mismatch issue in the Indian labour market. It specifically looks into the state-wise overeducation rates, a type of vertical skill mismatch where the education level of the worker exceeds the job requirements. The article tries to provide a regional dimension to the estimates of overeducation and addresses the problem by linking it to the incidence of vocational training among employees. Given that vocational training plays an important role in imparting industry-relevant skills, the article recommends its expansion as a necessary factor for curbing overeducation in states lagging in the industrial sector. Using the recent Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data, the article unveils trends in recent years where, though the propensity to take vocational training has increased, it is not sufficient to meet the industry’s demands. Also, the stunted proportion of individuals with government-sponsored vocational training signals either inferior quality or low access. The later fact is reinstated when we look at the bias towards higher income households in undertaking such training. Apart from the need to address the supply side of skilled labour, by making training programmes more inclusive, there is also a need to address the demand side to ensure proper alignment between the skills derived from training programmes and those required by the industry. Besides, given the huge informal labour market, there is an urgent need for proper certification and recognition of skills derived from training programmes to ensure their productive employment. The article shows a severe imbalance between the demand and supply sides and calls for active participation of different stakeholders, including the private sector, to address the problem. In this regard, the article shows instances of successful implementation of vocational training facilities in other countries, which can form a basis for rolling out well-defined and coherent programmes.

Syrian refugee men in ‘double waithood’: ethnographic perspectives on labour and marriage in Jordan’s border towns

This paper discusses the socio-economic integration and marriage prospects of young Syrian refugee men in Jordan. Linguistic, cultural and religious similarities with Syrian culture in Jordanian border towns such as Ramtha and Irbid hold the promise of social inclusion and offer emotional comfort. Yet, this familiarity is combined with experiences of social alienation and labour exploitation. Based on qualitative research and ethnography, I propose the notion of ‘double waithood’ to capture the two main socio-economic axes that structure opportunities and the activities young men engage in. Apart from the time spent waiting for regulated residency status, young men wait to fulfil the economic requirements that enable them to marry and have a family of their own. While waiting for certainty, many are driven to informal and underage labour to help provide for their families. At the same time, migration as a rite of passage can enable young adolescents to transition to adulthood earlier, as many aspire to fulfil the criteria of the hegemonic figure of the economically self-sufficient male refugee.

Sex trafficking by consent? Andean padrinazgo, illegal mining in Amazonia, and state intervention

AbstractRising gold prices have led to the expansion of illegal gold mining in Peru's southwestern Amazon region. This is accompanied by an increase in sex trafficking of Indigenous girls and women from the southern Andes. This article focuses on the emerging economic and cultural connections that span Andean and Amazonian mining and sex trafficking migration in the region. The notion of precarity is applied to assess victims’ agency within a racialized, neoliberal, informal labor market at the fringes of global capitalism. In tracing the trajectory of trafficked adolescents from highlands to lowlands and, in some cases, into state‐run shelters, the role of padrinazgo (patronage of godparents) is explored. It is argued that trafficked subjects’ choices are circumscribed by padrinazgo‐type relationships with traffickers, according to which they pursue a “preferred precarity” across competing existential, vocational, and subjective states.

Who builds Shanghai's fiber-optic network? Thinking urban infrastructure through migrant construction labor

While a growing body of literature understands infrastructure through the social relations and labor that make it possible, the work of construction in infrastructure projects remains under-theorized. Drawing on participatory research with migrant construction workers in Shanghai, China, I consider the outcomes of a reliance on informal, migrant labor in Shanghai's multi-year “Overhead-Underground” infrastructure renovation project, which moves overhead fiber-optics cabling underground. Like other Chinese infrastructure projects, this reconstruction of Shanghai's fiber-optic network relies on large quantities of on-the-ground construction labor, drawn from a low-wage, precarious, and largely informal migrant workforce that is not expected not be incorporated into the city. Through engagement with scholarship that has viewed people and social relationships as infrastructure, I demonstrate the processes by which informal migrant construction labor facilitates both physical construction and the accumulation of infrastructural knowledge, both of which are necessary to the completion of infrastructural upgrading projects.

Trapped in the underground economy: Syrian refugees in the informal labour market in Turkey

By combining theories on informal work with data collected through interviews with 39 Syrian refugees, this article provides a comprehensive analysis of the various factors driving Syrians, both ordinary workers and employers, into the informal labour market in Turkey. The study shows the differences between the factors pushing Syrian workers into the informal sector (eg administrative obstacles, monetary and non-monetary benefits, unfamiliarity with labour regulations) and the reasons why Syrian business owners and self-employed worked informally (eg the desire to hire Syrian workers, inability to comply with labour regulations, and fear of deportation). By focusing on the reasons behind Syrian employers’ decisions to remain in the informal sector, the article shows that such decisions were often based not on profit-seeking but on solidarity with fellow Syrians.

Innovation and Informality: An Analysis With the Colombian Manufacturing Industry 2007 to 2016

The purpose of the research is to analyze the effects caused by the competition of companies with labor informality on the innovative behavior of companies with labor formality that compete in the same industry. This research references and analyzes the implementation of law 1429 of 2010, which stimulates the formalization of labor and informal firms. The results estimated by fixed effects exhibit a positive and significant effect of the competition of companies with labor informality in the total innovation of formal companies. On the other hand, once the formalization and job creation policy was implemented, there was a decrease in total innovations of formal companies. The empirical analysis also highlights a different impact of informal competition depending on whether the innovation is in process or product. In particular, this research finds that process innovations are more intensely affected by labor informality than product innovations. The quantitative strategy relies on a panel data econometric model between 2007 and 2016 using the Survey of Innovation and Technological Development (EDIT) and the Great Integrated Household Survey (GEIH) provided by the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE).

EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 AND ITS RELATED LOCKDOWN ON FOOD SECURITY AND JOB LOSSES: A CASE OF KUMASI, GHANA

The COVID-19 pandemic and its related partial lockdown have become a multiplier of vulnerability, compounding threats to food security and job losses whiles opening up weaknesses to food systems. The study’s objective was to examine the impact of COVID-19 disease and its related lockdown on food and nutrition security and job losses. It was carried out in Asokwa Municipal. The site forms part of the cities in Ghana to experience the partial lockdown, hence its selection. Both primary and secondary data collection formed part of the study. Fifty respondents were selected as sample size by means of the purposive sampling technique. The study employed a qualitative approach with a descriptive and narrative posture to the presentation, discussion and analysis. An open-ended questionnaire and a checklist were used for data collection through semi-structured interviews. It was discovered from the results that food and nutrition insecurity, job losses and income reductions were still very common, affecting the participants livelihood. Disproportionally affected were households whose income comes from farming, transporting, informal labour as well as marketers. It was concluded that food and nutrition insecurity and job losses were not outside the impact of COVID-19 and its associated partial lockdown. Food and nutrition security is a global concern in present circumstances. The food supply chain has been hit hardest by COVID-19, causing food insecurity of the most vulnerable segment of the society. Also, most of the migrant, informal and seasonal farm workers were losing their jobs which affected their demand for food. Therefore, the government should step up the measures to control the pandemic without disturbing the food supply chain. The development and the use of online marketing strategies where people can make order of various products should be promoted.

THE COST OF HIDDEN HISTORIES: CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON QUALITATIVE METHODS

Research tools can play a critical role in unearthing hidden and invisibilized narratives within the global equality discourse. In social anthropology, non-quantitative methods hold the key to yielding robust and universalizable insights. This is particularly relevant when attempting to equitably capture extra-economic phenomena like care labor, informal labor, and undocumented labor. By examining studies and literature within these vulnerable spaces, this paper aims to shed light on how marginalized groups often get overlooked in quantitative analyses of labor dynamics. The importance of taking into account their experiences and perspectives cannot be overstated, as it has direct implications for policymaking and social intervention. This study, through a comprehensive review of existing literature, intends to highlight the limitations of quantitative methods in capturing the nuances of these labor experiences and explore qualitative approaches that can help correct such oversights. By amplifying the voices and stories of those typically silenced, this research hopes to contribute to a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of global equality

La Informalidad su relación con el microcrédito y la evasión tributaria

This research work aims to demonstrate the importance of addressing the problem of informality, based on the ideal normative production to progressively reduce the levels of productive and labor informality in Peru. As well as, reduce the negative impact on the real distribution of tax burdens.

Strategic Formal Layoffs: Unemployment Insurance and Informal Labor Markets

Exploiting an unemployment insurance reform in Brazil, we study incentive effects of UI in the presence of informal labor markets. We find that eligibility for UI benefits increases formal layoffs by 11 percent. Most of the additional layoffs are related to workers transitioning to informal employment. We further document formal layoff and recall patterns consistent with rent extraction from the UI system. Workers are laid off as they become eligible for UI benefits and recalled when benefits cease. These patterns are stronger for industries and municipalities with a high degree of labor market informality. (JEL J22, J46, J63, J65, K31, O15)

EXPLORING THE ROOT CAUSES OF YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT FROM THE PERSPECTIVES OF THIRD COUNTRY NATIONALS

The current study overhauls the issue of youth unemployment in Third Countries. This problem does not only have a negative impact on the lives of young people but also affects the whole economy of Third Countries. The methods which were employed in this study are in-depth interviews and the method of the case study. All in all, it was found that the main causes of youth unemployment in Third Countries are the attitude of youth towards work opportunities, the lack of youth's knowledge and skills necessary for the labor market, and the hesitation of employers to hire and invest in inexperienced people. Finally, the governments of Third Countries are recommended to strengthen the legislation regarding working illegally, to create groups having the function to detect the employees and enterprises involved in informal labor relations, to take into consideration the experience of other countries and disseminate educational messages to young people inciting them to constantly learns and to entrepreneurs inciting them to hire the representatives of youth.

Leadership Strategies to Closing the Critical Skills Gap: A Review

Skill is defined as the knowledge, competencies, capabilities, education, and traits required to do a task or job allocated to a certain individual. It is common for a lack of needed information to prevent a firm or organization from achieving its goals. Assigned individuals cannot execute the work, resulting in a skill gap. In this context, identifying talent gaps in various areas is critical. Bridging skills gaps requires effective strategy, but most importantly, it depends on a leader who acquires the proper knowledge and skills to navigate change and lead their team in upskilling and reskilling in ways that suit the organization. The principle objective of this paper is to review the skills gaps in the Canadian automotive industry and successful strategies that automotive business leaders use to fill skills gaps in post-pandemic. The primary focus is reviewing the printed and documented material on skills gaps to find successful strategies. The study findings were derived from a comprehensive review of existing literature. The results indicate that there exists a deficit of skills in both the formal and informal sectors, thereby impeding individuals’ ability to secure employment. Results indicate that Canada, a developed nation with an advanced economy, ought to prioritize improving its human capital through professional development courses and programs. It is recommended that educational institutions conduct further research on the skills gaps to align their training curricula with formal and informal labor market requirements.

Shadow employment: features and challenges for Ukraine in the context of social security ensuring

In the context of the modern Russian-Ukrainian war, the issue of shadow employment is closely related to preserving the Ukrainian population of working age. By implementing social security measures, we gain the opportunity to retain the Ukrainian population, increase the labor potential, and accumulate human capital as an important national resource. In this article, the aspects of the impact of shadow employment on the economic sector in Ukraine are explored, as well as the connection of this social phenomenon with personal social security is considered. The terminology of the study regarding shadow employment and social security is clarified. It is argued that shadow employment is a component of the shadow economy sector. It is shown that in conditions of a state of war, shadow employment makes sense for existence, as it mitigates and reduces the levels of potential unemployment. The purpose of the research is to generalize the theoretical aspects of shadow employment, establish a logical connection between shadow employment and social security, and indicate possible ways to reduce the levels of shadow employment in the context of ensuring social security. The conclusions and recommendations of the authors are based on the results of a project supported by the International Center for Rebirth, a public organization «Network of Legal Development, «which aimed to objectively study the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the legal needs and problems in the informal labor sector in Ukraine. Emphasis is placed on a range of practical measures that government authorities should take to improve the situation in the field of shadow employment and thus ensure a higher level of social security for both workers and employers. Considering the observance and provision of social security at the state level for all workers, especially those engaged in shadow activities, as a mandatory norm, state authorities intend to implement a series of practical measures aimed at improving the situation in this area, particularly regarding shadow employment. It is summarized that social security should be represented by a certain system of organizational, economic, managerial, and legal measures, the purpose of which is to prevent social threats to security at all levels: national, regional, specific enterprise, organization, and individual. Enhancing the level of social security in the realm of shadow employment will allow the development of mechanisms and organic supplementation of an effective state policy for ensuring the social security of citizens.

Financial Inclusion Transitions in Peru: The Role of Labor Informality

Financial Inclusion Transitions in Peru: The Role of Labor Informality

The changing role of employment and alternative income sources among the urban poor: a systematic literature review

ABSTRACT We perform a systematic review of the literature on the association between income, employment, and urban poverty from a multidisciplinary perspective. Our results, derived from the analysis of 243 articles, confirm the significant role of employment in the urban poor’s lives, highlighting several factors that constrain their ability to improve their labour market outcomes: lack of access to public transport, geographical segregation, labour informality, among others. Furthermore, the paper finds different strategies used by the poor to promote their inclusion in their city’s economy. We found a major bias towards research focused on advanced economies, stressing the need for development studies dealing with the specific challenges of developing economies.

Challenges at Workplace: A Case study of Non-Standard Female Workers in Retail Sector of Pakistan

The participation of women in paid employment has been increased recently. More and more women are participating in paid employment due the increased in informal labor market. The primary goal of this qualitative research study was to explore that what were the challenges a non-standard female worker had been facing at their workplace? The researcher conducted the in-depth interviews, with the help of interview guide. The researcher keenly took care of all the ethical considerations and took field notes of the observations during the interview. The sample was collected by using purposive sampling technique by keeping in front the purpose of study. The study illustrated thematic analysis to analyze the data. Women were participating in non-standard employment in retail sector to improve their economic status but such employments were followed by many offensive behaviors at workplaces as well. Women were facing problems such as harassment, bullying, mental stress, physical fatigue and exploitation on daily basis. These problems were lowering their efficiency and adversely affect their wellbeing. Women experiences of going through such problems are considered to highlight the issues and reduce them to zero.

Marginality, Social Exclusion, Labour Force Participation and Urban Poverty: A Case Study of Lahore, Pakistan

Labour has always been considered as major source of income and livelihood, and the labour market of Pakistan which provides an important source to alleviate poverty and raise the standard of living. The characteristics of labour i.e. age, gender, location, caste and religion makes labour market highly segmented. And these factors often make buyer bias which indeed causes a discrimination and exclusion in labour market. This study tries to investigate the issue of social exclusion which has been faced by marginalised class in labour force participation. While analysing trends of marginalised labour force participation, the role of social networks also take into account. The marginalised labour force has been selected based on religion and gender (minorities, women, transgender) which is the part of formal and informal labour market of the city Lahore, Pakistan. The study use logit modelling to analyse the role of social exclusion and other determinants in labour force participation of marginalised class and also evaluate the role of labour force participation in the poverty status of marginalised households. Results show a strong effect of social exclusion on labour force participation and poverty. Keywords: Social Exclusion, Labour Market Segmentation, Social Network

Capital deprivation, assets, and the Universal Child Allowance for Social Protection in a Paraná slum, Argentina

AbstractIn this article, I describe a case in which a mother and her son, while discussing what they perceive to be the purpose of the Argentinian conditional cash transfer programme known as the ‘Universal Child Allowance for Social Protection’, also project different economic returns for the son's future. The decisions they make contradict the ultimate purpose of this policy: to accumulate human capital in the recipient through formal education. The young man's abandonment of secondary school and his entry into the informal labour market trigger different reflections on his future for mother and son. Despite the fact that both project future returns for investing the money, the mother, acting as administrator of the programme, reproduces state‐driven processes of capital deprivation at the expense of her son's human capital.

Searching for the Informal Labor Movement: Theorizing Class and Collective Action among Informal Workers in West Africa

Amid renewed debates and theorizing about informality and the role of informal workers in Africa and across the globe, there remains little in the way of class-based understandings of Africa's informal workers and of informal worker politics. Marxists, especially Analytical Marxists, have been slow to study and consider the role and potential role of informal workers in geopolitics and class struggle across the Global South, and Africa, in particular. Drawing on ethnographic field work and interviews conducted in Sierra Leone, and broader informal worker-led struggles and events across Africa and the Global South, this work argues for a renewed understanding of collective action and class formation among informal workers. JEL Classification: J0, J2, J6

In the middle of things: the political economy of labour beyond the market

AbstractWhile legal analyses of political economy typically centre on events and processes within the market, this discussion argues that contemporary dilemmas requires attention to labour and productive activity at its edges and beyond. Questions surrounding labour provide an unparalleled vantage point from which to assess how groups are differentially situated within the economy, especially at moments of economic crisis and transformation. The constitutive role of law in market relations, in turn, makes legal analysis fundamental to understanding how risks and rewards at work are distributed.Reflecting on the role of macroeconomic governance to work, evident in times of crisis in particular, and drawing upon concepts and tools developed within critical legal thought, this paper analyses two sites of labour, unpaid household care work and informal labour, that are at the centre of distributive struggles around work now. As the historical separation of the household and market labour discloses, transformations of legal form, and classification played a critical role in the simultaneous production of waged labour and valueless care. Similar processes are underway in labour markets now; thus, understanding the legal constitution of value and of work itself remains central to questions of inequality now.Bargaining analysis as well as taxonomies of family law suggest the significance of a wide range of legal rules and their interaction to labour market outcomes and the position of workers. The analysis of informal work points in a similar direction, as contract, competition, and corporate law and beyond are all implicated in the growth of informality and precarity at work. Finally, uncovering the legal foundations of racial fragmentation at work requires attention to multiple legal regimes as well as the conceptual and ideological commitments that sustain them. All engage questions about the role, and transformation, of legal form, classification and consciousness within contemporary political economy.