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Vulnerability In Employment: Evidence from South Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Haroon Bhorat
  • Kezia Lilenstein
  • Morne Oosthuizen
  • Amy Thornton

    (University of Cape Town
    Deputy Director)

Abstract

This paper sets out to update the impression of vulnerability in the labour market, by examining how low pay and informality interact with each other, and with poverty. Throughout, we try to include comparative results from within the sub-Saharan Africa and Latin American regions. What becomes clear is that a job alone is not a solution to poverty in South Africa. And informality in South Africa plays an important role as a buffer to unemployment in contrast to the higher levels of voluntary informality in Latin America.

Suggested Citation

  • Haroon Bhorat & Kezia Lilenstein & Morne Oosthuizen & Amy Thornton, 2016. "Vulnerability In Employment: Evidence from South Africa," Working Papers 201604, University of Cape Town, Development Policy Research Unit.
  • Handle: RePEc:ctw:wpaper:201604
    as

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    File URL: https://commerce.uct.ac.za/sites/default/files/content_migration/commerce_uct_ac_za/1093/files/DPRU%2520WP201604.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    12. Kanbur, Ravi, 2011. "Avoiding Informality Traps," Working Papers 126536, Cornell University, Department of Applied Economics and Management.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I3 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty
    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials
    • J46 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Informal Labor Market

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