Lecture on “The Informal Economy, Self-employment and Petty Production – Framing Macro and Micro Political Economy” Prof. Barbara Harris-White | February 20, 2023.

In her lecture on the informal economy, self-employment, and petty production, Prof. Barbara Harriss-White examines the complex dynamics and challenges that influence these informal economic activities. She provides an overview of the macro and micro political economy frameworks that shape the informal economy, focussing on implications for policy and research.

Harriss-White defines the informal economy and its various forms, including self-employment and petty production. She discusses how macro-level political economy forces, such as globalization, financialization, and state policies, can result in informalization of work, leading to lower wages and economic insecurity. On the micro-level, she explores how social norms, power relations, and gender dynamics affect informal economic activities, highlighting their impact on policies for inclusive economic growth and social justice.

Most importantly, she argues that policymakers and researchers must consider this complex interplay between macro and micro-level political economy dynamics when designing policies for inclusive economic growth and social justice.