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From ‘Relative Surplus Population’ and ‘Dual Labour Markets’ to ‘Informal’ and ‘Formal’ Employment and Enterprises: Insights About Causation and Consequences

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  • Sheila Bhalla

Abstract

This essay traces the intellectual history of the concepts ‘informal’ sector and ‘informal economy’ from Karl Marx to Arthur Lewis, Barry Bluestone, Keith Hart and S. V. Sethuraman.* It shows how the Marxian dynamics of ‘relative surplus population’ has been replaced by the concept of ‘informal economy’. It also discusses the dynamic role of population pressure on agriculture in many countries of the Global South. Finally, it is suggested that the strategies advocated by the International Labour Organization (ILO) since the 1970s have tended to narrow the areas of investigation promoted by them.

Suggested Citation

  • Sheila Bhalla, 2017. "From ‘Relative Surplus Population’ and ‘Dual Labour Markets’ to ‘Informal’ and ‘Formal’ Employment and Enterprises: Insights About Causation and Consequences," Agrarian South: Journal of Political Economy, Centre for Agrarian Research and Education for South, vol. 6(3), pages 295-305, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:agspub:v:6:y:2017:i:3:p:295-305
    DOI: 10.1177/2277976017745460
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sheila Bhalla, 2009. "Definitional and Statistical Issues Relating to Workers in Informal Employment," Working Papers id:2200, eSocialSciences.
    2. Sethuraman, S. V.,, 1976. "Urban informal sector : concept, measurement and policy," ILO Working Papers 991667413402676, International Labour Organization.
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