Informal Workers Research Articles

Analysing Post-Pandemic Female Labour Force Participation and Intra-Household Dynamics Through the Lens of Social Reproduction: The Indian Case

The coronavirus pandemic has adversely impacted women in both the productive and the reproductive realms of the Indian economy. While more women are observed to have lost their jobs, household and care work burden increased for all classes of women at least in the initial lockdown period. In this article, we put forth possible scenarios that can arise in the post-pandemic Indian economy regarding female labour force participation and intra-household dynamics, using social reproduction theory as our analytical framework. We posit that the pandemic will distress-drive women to participate in the labour force. Also, female formal workers who lost or quit their jobs during the crisis period may completely withdraw from the labour force if their spouses retain their jobs. Further, financial constraints can increase the incidences of spousal violence for female informal workers. Finally, social reproduction duties will intensify for female informal workers. While this can hold for female formal workers, their burden may be relieved through the hiring of domestic help.

Exploring the Division of Labour in the Family: Insights from Women in the Service Sector in Darjeeling Town

The colonial history of Darjeeling Hills had a considerable influence on thedevelopment and settlement of Darjeeling Town, notably in terms of women's contexts suchas migration, forms of economic engagement for women, and the introduction of formaleducation for women, among other aspects. When we look into the region's history, we findthat women have worked in a number of occupations, although primarily in informal work,and they have contributed to the region's economy and gradual societal changes in their owncapacities. Despite the fact that women have long worked in public spaces in the hills ofDarjeeling, the prevalent traditional norm in the region recognizes the home as a woman'sprimary space. Even while women in the hills may have substantially distinct socioeconomicbackgrounds, they are nevertheless subjected to some dominant gender norms. Women whowork outside have the obligation to divide their time between paid and unpaid domesticwork, since parenting and domestic tasks have always been considered as women's work inthe hills, whether in towns or in villages. Among the various challenges and debatessurrounding 'working women,' one key question that arises is the link between women'sparticipation in paid work and the gendered distribution of labour in the household. As aresult, this article seeks to understand the division of labour, one component of the larger'working women's question', in families of women employed in the service sector. As such,in-depth perspectives of ten married women who represent a segment of this social group inthe Town of Darjeeling have been analysed.

A two-pronged approach to understanding reciprocity and mental health relationship in developing countries: evidence from young informal construction workers in Nigeria

BackgroundMental health problems disproportionately affect young people in developing countries. However, there is limited research on help-seeking behaviours and the social support systems that improve mental wellbeing among vulnerable youth populations.ObjectiveThis mixed-methods study aimed to examine the relationship between social support reciprocity and mental health among young informal construction workers in Nigeria, a population at high-risk for occupational and socioeconomic stressors.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was administered to 686 informal workers to measure reciprocity, mental health-related quality of life, and covariates. In-depth interviews with 32 participants provided qualitative context.ResultsQuantitative analyses showed 25% of participants reported poor mental health. Reciprocity positively predicted mental health after controlling for covariates. Qualitative findings revealed reciprocity occurs directly between individuals as well as indirectly through trade unions and religious groups. Indirect exchanges through groups helped address limitations of direct support due to limited resources.ConclusionsThis study fills important gaps in understanding how social relationships impact mental health in developing country contexts. Findings emphasize the role of collective action and community-based support systems in promoting mental wellbeing among vulnerable populations. Insights can inform culturally relevant, systems-level mental health interventions.

Assessing the retirement planning strategies adopted by Ghanaian informal sector workers and their implications for retirement income security

Assessing the retirement planning strategies adopted by Ghanaian informal sector workers and their implications for retirement income security

Impact of international trade on the income gaps between formal and informal sectors: Evidence from China

AbstractUsing national longitudinal survey data, this study examines the impact of international trade on income gaps between formal and heterogeneous informal workers in China. The results demonstrate that the positive effect of trade on income is larger for informal employees and smaller for self‐employed workers compared to formal employees. The decomposition results indicate that the disproportionate geographic distribution in tradable regions widens the income gaps between employment sectors, while the difference in international trade income premiums widens the income gap between formal and informal employees and narrows the income gap between formal employees and self‐employed workers.

Are Informal Older Workers Utilizing Less Healthcare Services? Evidence from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India, Wave-1

AbstractIndia’s informal sector employs many workers without social security benefits, such as pension support and health insurance. Many older workers continue to work in this sector beyond the retirement age (60 + years) due to financial and health needs. Given the vulnerable position of informal older workers in terms of their social and economic stature, as well as the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases, it becomes important to study healthcare utilization. The present research aims to investigate variations in healthcare visits by type of work in India for older workers. The first wave of LASI (2017-18) data has been used in this study. The overall healthcare visits, consisting of inpatient and outpatient care, are considered as the outcome variable for the analysis. Zero-inflated Poisson regression is applied to study the relationship between type of work and healthcare visits while controlling for other covariates. The results of zero-inflated Poisson regression shows that informal workers have fewer healthcare visits than formal workers (P < 0.01). However, the relationship between type of work and healthcare visits is influenced by health conditions, including chronic health conditions (CHC), depression as well as both CHC and depression. Informal workers with depression visit 0.892 times less (P < 0.05) than formal workers with depression. Informal workers with CHC and depression visit 0.847 times less (P < 0.0001) than formal workers with CHC and depression. The present study underscores the importance of proper economic support and healthcare provision to financially encourage older workers belonging to poor social-economic status to seek for healthcare services.

Uptake of health insurance by the informal sector workers at Kenyatta market, Kibra sub-county, Nairobi County, Kenya

Uptake of health insurance by the informal sector workers at Kenyatta market, Kibra sub-county, Nairobi County, Kenya

Low levels of potentially toxic elements in workers are associated with self-reported health outcomes

Occupational exposure to toxic elements can adversely affect health. The current study evaluated blood concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTE) including As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn, and Zn in formal and informal workers. Additionally, the study investigated the associations between blood PTE concentrations and reported health outcomes in the study population. The exposed group included women engaged in informal jewelry welding within their homes in Limeira, São Paulo state, Brazil (n = 36) and men who worked at a steel company in Volta Redonda, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil (n = 22). The control group comprised residents of the same neighborhoods as the workers but without occupational exposure to chemicals (n = 28 in Limeira; n = 27 in Volta Redonda). Triple Quadrupole Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (TQ ICP-MS) was used to determine PTE concentrations in blood samples. Glycemia, insulin, and lipid profile tests were performed. All participants completed questionnaires on household risk and reported morbidity. The blood concentrations of Cd, As, and Pb, as well as glycemia, were higher in informal workers than in control subjects. No significant differences were observed between formal workers and control subjects. A robust Poisson regression model, adjusted for variables suggested by a Directed Acyclic Graph, disclosed associations of blood lead and arsenic concentrations with the prevalence of neurological manifestations in Limeira. Blood lead levels > 2.6 μg dL−1 were associated with 2.3 times the prevalence of self-reported neurological manifestations (95 % CI: 1.17–4.58; p = 0.02) than lower blood lead concentrations. Furthermore, a positive association between blood cadmium concentrations and glycemia was observed. Informal occupational exposure to these elements may indicate an increased risk of developing diseases. Monitoring exposure and implementing interventions to reduce PTE exposure in the work environment represent significant steps toward prevention.

FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI PRODUKTIVITAS TENAGA KERJA DI SEKTOR INFORMAL MASA PANDEMI COVID-19

The increase in the number of informal workers in Malang City occurred during the 2020 Covid-19 Pandemic. On the other hand, the average wage or salary for informal workers in Malang City experienced a decline when the 2020 Covid-19 Pandemic began. However, the average wage or salary is starting to improve with an increase of 41.05% from 2021 to 2022. The amount of this increase can be indicated to be accompanied by an increase in labor productivity where wages and labor productivity have a very reciprocal relationship. Moreover, productivity is an important element in measuring economic activity. Therefore, the aim of this research is to identify factors that influence labor productivity in the informal sector during the Covid-19 pandemic in Malang City. The data in the research were obtained from Sakernas data for 2021 and 2022. This research used quantitative descriptive methods with cross section data regression. The analysis model used is multiple linear regression analysis. The results of the analysis show that in 2021 training, digital technology, marital status and number of family members will influence the productivity of informal workers. Meanwhile, in 2022 education, training, digital technology, marital status, age and number of family members will influence the productivity of informal workers in Malang City.

Coping Mechanisms amongst Refugee Women and Girls in Post Conflict Situations: A Case of Lusaka Urban Center

Women and girls constitute over half of displaced populations globally, yet their perspectives and needs often go overlooked in policymaking and humanitarian response. This study explores the coping mechanisms utilized by refugee women and girls in post-conflict urban displacement contexts, focusing specifically on Lusaka, Zambia. Adopting a qualitative approach, the research examines the challenges faced, strategies for meeting daily needs, and process of accessing services for refugee women and girls relocated to Zambia's capital. Key findings reveal profound systemic discrimination and barriers obstructing refugees' ability to integrate and meet basic needs. With inadequate access to facilities and widespread harassment, women rely heavily on fragile social networks, exploitative informal work, and inconsistent aid to survive. Despite resilience displayed through faith, help-seeking, and resolute endurance, social isolation, and barriers navigating complex bureaucracies exacerbate risks. Ultimately the study exposes policy and programming failures fulfilling protection obligations, necessitating urgent actions to empower displaced females. Recommendations include improving access to services, fostering social inclusion, enabling livelihoods, strengthening legal protections, and embracing participatory approaches led by refugee women themselves. Fulfilling commitments to this vulnerable group requires comprehensive reforms addressing root causes of marginalization across sectors.

Analysing the heterogeneity in working conditions of migrant informal workers in China: a test of the WIEGO model of informal employment

This paper sheds light on the internal heterogeneity within the informal economy by examining the working conditions of migrant informal workers in China. It presents the first attempt to test the WIEGO model on the relationship between informality, income, poverty and gender. Based on 107,020 samples of informal workers from the 2017 China Migrants Dynamic Survey (CMDS), economic, social and occupational health components of working conditions of migrant informal workers in five employment-status tiers are analysed. The results show the significant heterogeneity within informal workers in terms of their income, working intensity, labour contracts, social security, union and community support. The relationships between the informal employment tiers and income, poverty and gender show a pattern that is not fully in line with the WIEGO model, suggesting the complexity and plurality of heterogeneities in informal employment. The paper concludes by calling for research on regional varieties of the heterogeneity in informal employment worldwide to better understand the unfolding of the inequality-informality nexus in specific contexts.

Training Returns Among Informal Workers: Evidence from Urban Sites in Kenya and Tanzania

AbstractTraining contributes to economic growth through raising productivity, enabling the use of new technologies and allowing workers to raise earnings through widening their skills base. This paper uses mixed methods to examine individual returns to off-the-job training, on-the-job training and informal training focussing on informal workers in the sectors of construction, micro-trade and transport in urban areas of Kenya and Tanzania. Based on a cross-section, the analysis shows that earnings are 21 pct. higher for workers with off-the-job training compared to being self-taught, whilst the premium for on-the-job or informal training by a family member is 16 pct. The qualitative data provide further insights into the reasons for variations in gains across the different types of training and illuminates the role of informal worker associations in facilitating training access. Formal training should be made affordable and tailored to worker needs so that it becomes a worthwhile investment for informal workers.

Exploring the Nexus Between Informal Workers and the Social Security Scheme in Ghana

Exploring the Nexus Between Informal Workers and the Social Security Scheme in Ghana

Effect of COVID-19 on livelihoods of people with and without disabilities: Results from a cross-sectional survey in 3 urban areas of Viet Nam

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has had widespread health, social and economic impacts worldwide. In many contexts, it has likely exacerbated existing inequalities. ObjectiveThis study compares the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic amongst people with and without disabilities in Viet Nam. MethodsA telephone survey was conducted in the three largest cities of Viet Nam (Da Nang, Ha Noi, and Ho Chi Minh City) between December 2021 and January 2022. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling (n = 898; 479 people with disabilities; 419 without). The survey collected data on livelihoods, employment, household economic security, and access to social protection and assistance. ResultsPeople with disabilities were three times more likely to have stopped working completely (PR: 2.8, 95 % CI: 2.0–4.0), 30 % more likely to report reduced earnings (PR: 1.3, 95 % CI: 1.2–1.5), twice as likely to report severe impacts on household finances (PR: 1.9, 95 % CI: 1.6–2.3) and three times more likely to report severe impacts on household food security (PR: 3.2, 95 % CI: 2.3–4.6) since the onset of the pandemic. Amongst people with disabilities, informal workers were particularly negatively affected. Households with members with disabilities were more likely to receive some types of COVID-19-related assistance (e.g. financial or food aid), but less likely to be enrolled in social insurance. ConclusionsUrgent and inclusive responses are necessary during crises to address the unique challenges faced by people with disabilities. Implementing comprehensive social protection measures is crucial to narrowing disparities, and maintaining well-being and economic security during shocks such as COVID-19.

SS36 Electronic waste (E-waste) and informal work in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)

SS36 Electronic waste (E-waste) and informal work in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)

Establishing substitute families: Care arrangements for childless older people in urban China

While the issues of childlessness and social support in old age have received considerable attention in more developed countries, the phenomenon of aging without children in China has been relatively underexplored. The existing, albeit limited, literature highlights the vulnerability of the childless elderly in China and the inadequacy of social care services, which is predominantly directed toward most impoverished groups. This study examines the care arrangements and social support mechanisms for childless older people in urban China, emphasizing the role of community-level officers in this context. Drawing on in-depth interviews conducted in 2019 with 27 childless elderly individuals and 10 community-level officers in Shanghai, the study reveals the formation of community-based substitute families. These substitute families, comprising neighbors, extended family members, and friends, provide daily assistance, emotional support, and sometimes intensive care. The establishment of these substitute families hinges on the childless individuals’ ability to navigate public and social resources, as well as the institutionalized mobilization and informal work strategies of community-level officers. We argue that the care arrangements for childless older people are significantly shaped by the state's aging-in-place elder care policy. However, the effectiveness of this policy is mediated by the informal work strategies of community-level officers and the proactive care planning by the childless elderly themselves. Our findings offer important insights for improving the current family-based elder care policies and enrich our understanding of aging without children in urban China.

Marketing Strategy Analysis in Increasing Participation Numbers in the Social Security Administration for Employment (BPJS Ketenagakerjaan) Tanjung Perak Branch Office Using SWOT Analysis Method

This study delves into the societal responsibility of nations for ensuring the well-being of their citizens through the implementation of social welfare systems, notably the social security program managed by the Social Security Organizing Agency (BPJS). The historical evolution of PT Jamsostek (Persero) underscores the development of social security programs in Indonesia, emphasizing the significance of safeguarding workers' economic and social interests. This research focuses on BPJS Ketenagakerjaan Tanjung Perak Branch, aiming to analyze its marketing strategies to augment membership through the SWOT analysis method. Employing a qualitative approach, the study employs interviews, observations, and documentation for data collection. The findings reveal strengths in BPJS Ketenagakerjaan's extensive social security offerings, weaknesses in communicating with and raising awareness among informal workers, opportunities for enhancing worker welfare, and threats posed by declining membership due to competitive forces. Drawing on the SWOT analysis, the study suggests a conglomerate diversification strategy, wherein BPJS Ketenagakerjaan Tanjung Perak can introduce new programs to previously untapped segments, thus bolstering its membership base. The research enriches the understanding of BPJS Ketenagakerjaan's marketing strategies and contributes insights for broadening its membership outreach.

Effect of ethnic diversity on child labor: Empirical evidence from Ghana

AbstractOne of the persistent global problems today is child labor with the current estimates indicating that 160 million children were in child labor as at the beginning of 2020. To reduce child labor, it is important to unearth the factors that influence it for policy implementation. We contribute to the literature and policy by examining the impact of ethnic diversity on child labor, while considering the mediating effects of informal work and household poverty. Using ethnic fractionalization and polarization indexes, we find that a unit increase in ethnic diversity is associated with an increase in child labor. Gender‐wise, we find the effect to be bigger for male child workers. Based on location, we find that the effect is pronounced for working children living in rural areas. Also, our mediation analysis shows that informal work, and household poverty are the pathways through which ethnic diversity increases child labor.

A Systematic Review of Methods for Estimating Productivity Losses due to Illness or Caregiving in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

Productivity losses are often included in costing studies and economic evaluations to provide a comprehensive understanding of the economic burden of disease. Global guidance on estimating productivity losses is sparse, especially for low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) where informal and unpaid work remains dominant. This study aims to describe current practices for valuing productivity losses in LMICs. We performed a systematic review of studies published before April 2022 using three databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library and Web of Science Core Collection. We included any costing or economic evaluation study conducted in a LMIC that provided methodological details on how the monetary value for productivity losses was estimated. Two reviewers independently screened articles for inclusion, extracted data and assessed the quality of the studies. A total of 281 articles were included. While most studies did not specify the overall approach used to measure and value productivity losses (58%), the human capital approach was the most frequently used approach to measure productivity losses when this was clearly stated (39%). The most common methods to estimate a monetary value for productivity losses were market wages (51%), self-reported wages (28%) and macroeconomic measures (15%). Reporting standards for productivity losses in LMIC settings have room for improvement. While market wages were the most frequently used method to estimate the monetary value of productivity losses, this relies on context-specific data availability. Until a consensus is reached on if, when and how to include productivity losses in costing and economic evaluation studies, future studies could include a sensitivity analysis to explore the impact of different methods for estimating the monetary value of productivity losses.

Policing the spread of COVID-19 and the struggle for sustainable livelihood among informal workers in Nigeria

The COVID-19 pandemic has been the subject of numerous scholarly discussions. However, scholars have yet to pay more attention to the link between its official containment measures and the struggle of informal workers for sustainable livelihoods in Nigeria. This study argues that the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown policing was one aspect of the state-society encounter that had a deleterious effect on the economic security of vulnerable populations. The research employs the thesis of neoliberalism and a qualitative-dominant mixed methods approach to explore this state-society encounter during the pandemic. It concludes that a subtle and humane approach to policing in emergencies presents a more civil engagement in policy enforcement that would foster happier encounters between security forces and the general public.