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Economic Policy and Women’s Informal Work in South Africa

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  • Imraan Valodia

Abstract

This article examines the gender dimensions of the growth in informal and flexible work in South Africa and the government’s policy response to this. It outlines the growth in informal and flexible work practices and, as illustrative examples, analyses how trade and industrial policies and labour market policies are impacting on the growth of informal and flexible work. It is argued that the South African government’s trade and industrial policies are shifting the economy onto a path of capital intensification. Allied to this, firms are undergoing a process of extensive restructuring. These developments are further promoting the growth of flexibilization and informalization, and thereby disadvantaging women. The article demonstrates that whilst the government offers a vast package of support measures to big business, its policy is largely irrelevant to the survivalist segment of small business, where most women in the informal economy are to be found. The picture for labour policy is more diverse. Aspects of the labour legislation are promoting the growth of a dual labour market, whilst there seems to be some tightening up of practices aimed at bypassing aspects of the protection provided to workers.

Suggested Citation

  • Imraan Valodia, 2001. "Economic Policy and Women’s Informal Work in South Africa," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 32(5), pages 871-892, November.
  • Handle: RePEc:bla:devchg:v:32:y:2001:i:5:p:871-892
    DOI: 10.1111/1467-7660.00230
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    Cited by:

    1. Thorin, Maria, 2003. "The gender dimension of economic globalization: an annotated bibliography," Manuales 5593, Naciones Unidas Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe (CEPAL).
    2. Maria S. Floro & Hitomi Komatsu, 2011. "Labor Force Participation, Gender and Work in South Africa: What Can Time Use Data Reveal?," Working Papers 2011-02, American University, Department of Economics.
    3. Gökçer Özgür & Ceyhun Elgin & Adem Y. Elveren, 2021. "Is informality a barrier to sustainable development?," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 29(1), pages 45-65, January.
    4. Neetha N, 2010. "Women's Work in the Post Reform Period: An Exploration of Macro Data," Working Papers id:2885, eSocialSciences.
    5. Makino, Kumiko, 2008. "The Changing Nature of Employment and the Reform of Labor and Social Security Legislation in Post-Apartheid South Africa," IDE Discussion Papers 140, Institute of Developing Economies, Japan External Trade Organization(JETRO).
    6. Neetha N, 2009. "Women’s Work in the Post Reform Period: An Exploration of Macro Data," Working Papers id:2012, eSocialSciences.

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