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Transforming informal work and livelihoods in China

Author

Listed:
  • Carl Shu-Ming Lin
  • Linxiang Ye
  • Wei Zhang

Abstract

The informal sector has long been viewed as a locus of the disadvantaged, unskilled, and inexperienced workers in under-developed and developing economies. Workers in the informal sector, however, can learn skills and gain experience that could help them switch to better-paying jobs in the formal sector. But evidence of this is limited. China constitutes an important case study because it is the most populous country and has the largest labour force, consisting of over 290 million rural-to-urban migrants whose employment is mostly informal.

Suggested Citation

  • Carl Shu-Ming Lin & Linxiang Ye & Wei Zhang, 2020. "Transforming informal work and livelihoods in China," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2020-150, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    • Handle: RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2020-150
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    File URL: https://www.wider.unu.edu/sites/default/files/Publications/Working-paper/PDF/wp2020-150.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    4. Liang, Zhe & Appleton, Simon & Song, Lina, 2016. "Informal Employment in China: Trends, Patterns and Determinants of Entry," IZA Discussion Papers 10139, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    5. Enrique Alaniz & T.H. Gindling & Catherine Mata & Diego Rojas, 2020. "Transforming informal work and livelihoods in Costa Rica and Nicaragua," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2020-100, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
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