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Global South and North: Why Informality Matters

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  • Hodder Rupert

    (HITSZ, Shenzhen 518055, China)

Abstract

Informality in the global south thought to matter because it is a threat, or a stage on the road, to (or embedded in) formality; or because it is a permanent condition acceptable on its own terms and has the potential to keep formal bureaucratic organizations running and in touch with citizens. These understandings of informality also share an assertion: that the quality of informality is different – almost genetically so – from formality. The purpose of my remarks here is to point this discussion in another direction. I argue that the difference between informality and formality is only conceptual. The supposition that there exists in fact an informal-formal dichotomy, dualism or dialectic, and its use as an analytical lens, produces apparent features which it cannot easily account for. I illustrate these features and then go on to sketch out another approach and its implications.

Suggested Citation

  • Hodder Rupert, 2016. "Global South and North: Why Informality Matters," New Global Studies, De Gruyter, vol. 10(2), pages 113-131, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bpj:nglost:v:10:y:2016:i:2:p:113-131:n:1
    DOI: 10.1515/ngs-2015-0020
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    References listed on IDEAS

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