Modernizing the informal sector

Victor Tokman

Working Papers from United Nations, Department of Economics and Social Affairs

Abstract: The multiplicity of policies proposed to support the informal sector reflects the lack of a common definition. Although they may produce positive effects, these are limited and fail to constitute a comprehensive strategic approach. The different interpretations in the absence of a common definition as well as the strategies emerging from them are reviewed. The identification of informality with illegality and labour precariousness, although conceptually related, is often misleading. Lastly, it explores a strategic option to regulate the informal sector, tracing the different approaches to formalizing informal activities, to facilitate their full integration into the modernization process.

Keywords: informal sector; regulation and informality (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D39 J48 O17 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 15 pages
Date: 2007-06
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-dev
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (23)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:une:wpaper:42

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