Montag, 19.05.2025, 16.50-18.20, Raum N.316 | Monday, 19 May 2025, room N.316
Link zur Online-Teilnahme
Despite growing interest in "informality" — especially inpost-socialist contexts — there is little agreement on what the term means or how to measure it. Many studies rely on vague, intuitive definitions, often treating it simply as the opposite of formality. This research surveys global and regional literature to propose a clearer framework for “informality studies,” highlighting its core features and political dimensions. It also explores how informality metrics can reveal insights into governance and state–citizen relations.
Abel Polese is a researcher, trainer, writer, and project manager working on development, (informal) governance, identity, the shadow economy, and corruption across Eastern Europe, Asia, and Latin America. He also explores academic career strategy and management. He is the author of “The SCOPUS Diaries, reflects on research life, mental health, and the challenges faced by early-career scholars navigating academia,” a reflection on academic life, research life, mental health, life-work balance and the choices and obstacles young scholars face at the beginning of their career.