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Fraught with Friction: Inclusive Development for Informal Workers in Urban Ghana

Author

Listed:
  • Tanja D. Hendriks

    (University of Edinburgh)

  • Rafael Verbuyst

    (Ghent University)

  • Mayke Kaag

    (African Studies Centre Leiden University)

Abstract

Informal workers are a heterogeneous group distinguished by diverse activities and interests, but they have in common that they operate largely outside state regulations. In this article, we analyse the ways in which informal workers in Ghana are organising (themselves) in response to proposed relocations of their workspace. Borrowing from Tsing, we distinguish three layers of friction that can lead to (structural) change, collective action, and an increase in informal workers’ political leverage. Our two case studies in Accra and Kumasi show how striving for inclusive development is a process shaped by diverse agendas and potentially conflicting interests. These relational and political aspects are crucial for understanding the frictions involved, as well as how these may lead to change. Where the tendency is to gloss over these frictions, we argue that they need to be the starting point for effective policies and initiatives for inclusive development.

Suggested Citation

  • Tanja D. Hendriks & Rafael Verbuyst & Mayke Kaag, 2022. "Fraught with Friction: Inclusive Development for Informal Workers in Urban Ghana," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 34(5), pages 2305-2323, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:eurjdr:v:34:y:2022:i:5:d:10.1057_s41287-022-00511-7
    DOI: 10.1057/s41287-022-00511-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Keith Hart, 2009. "On the informal economy: the political history of an ethnographic concept," Working Papers CEB 09-042.RS, ULB -- Universite Libre de Bruxelles.
    2. Ronaldo Munck, 2013. "The Precariat: a view from the South," Third World Quarterly, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 34(5), pages 747-762.
    3. Matteo Rizzo, 2013. "Informalisation and the end of trade unionism as we knew it? Dissenting remarks from a Tanzanian case study," Review of African Political Economy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 40(136), pages 290-308, June.
    4. Alhassan Iddrisu & Yukichi Mano & Tetsushi Sonobe, 2012. "Entrepreneurial Skills and Industrial Development: The Case of a Car Repair and Metalworking Cluster in Ghana," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 3(3), pages 302-326, September.
    5. Fergus Lyon, 2003. "Trader associations and urban food systems in Ghana: institutionalist approaches to understanding urban collective action," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 27(1), pages 11-23, March.
    6. Joyeeta Gupta & Nicky R M Pouw & Mirjam A F Ros-Tonen, 2015. "Towards an Elaborated Theory of Inclusive Development," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 27(4), pages 541-559, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Nana Akua Anyidoho & Max Gallien & Mike Rogan & Vanessa van den Boogaard, 2023. "Mobile money taxation and informal workers: Evidence from Ghana's E‐levy," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 41(5), September.

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