THE GOVERNANCE AND REGULATION OF THE INFORMAL ECONOMY: Implications for livelihoods and decent work

A large proportion of workers in the global economy derive their livelihoods from the ‘informal economy’, and these workers are more likely to experience unprotected and exploitative labour conditions. This chapter draws on literature that questions the relevance of a formal/informal dichotomy, and critiques the assumption that extension of state regulation of livelihoods is inherently desirable. Drawing on case study material from Freetown, Sierra Leone, it argues that while state actors play a crucial role in regulation to extend decent work, not all state regulatory practices are beneficial to workers, and that social regulation of livelihoods can also have an important role to play in protecting livelihoods and labour rights. Finally, it highlights the scope of co-production of livelihoods regulation by state and non-state actors.