Prelims

Half Title Page

Informal Economy and Sustainable Development Goals

Title Page

Informal Economy and Sustainable Development Goals: Ideas, Interventions and Challenges

EDITED BY

A. VINODAN

Central University of Tamil Nadu, India

S. MAHALAKSHMI

Central University of Tamil Nadu, India

AND

S. RAMESHKUMAR

Central University of Punjab, India

United Kingdom – North America – Japan – India – Malaysia – China

Copyright Page

Emerald Publishing Limited

Emerald Publishing, Floor 5, Northspring, 21-23 Wellington Street, Leeds LS1 4DL.

First edition 2024

Editorial matter and selection © 2024 A. Vinodan, S. Mahalakshmi, and S. Rameshkumar

Individual chapters © 2024 The authors.

Published under exclusive licence by Emerald Publishing Limited.

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British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

ISBN: 978-1-83753-981-9 (Print)

ISBN: 978-1-83753-980-2 (Online)

ISBN: 978-1-83753-982-6 (Epub)

Contents

List of Acronyms

List of Contributors

Preface

In the vast landscape of global economic systems, the informal economy is a vibrant yet often overlooked realm, teeming with resilience, innovation, and dynamism. Within this intricate tapestry of informal transactions, unregistered enterprises, and marginalised labour forces, we find both profound challenges and immense opportunities for sustainable development. As editors of Informal Economy and Sustainable Development Goals: Ideas, Interventions and Challenges, it is our privilege to present a collection of scholarly contributions that delve deep into the heart of this complex domain, shedding light on its multifaceted dimensions and its critical role in the pursuit of sustainable development goals (SDGs).

The chapters within this volume represent diverse perspectives, methodologies, and empirical insights, offering a comprehensive exploration of the informal economy’s intersections with key themes such as food security, financial inclusion, digital transformation, waste management, gender disparities, and rural entrepreneurship. Through empirical studies, theoretical frameworks, and policy analyses, our contributors navigate the labyrinthine complexities of informal economies, presenting innovative ideas, effective interventions, and pressing challenges that demand our attention and action.

The journey begins with exploring the invisible pathways of informal lending, a bibliometric study that unveils the intricate networks and dynamics underpinning informal financial transactions. From there, we embark on a journey across continents, examining the digital transformation of economies and its implications for the informal sector, from the bustling streets of Ghana to the vibrant textile sectors of India. Along the way, we encounter the resilience and vulnerabilities of migrant women workers, the persistent challenges of industrial concentration, and the impacts of foreign capital inflows on informal economies, offering nuanced analyses that deepen our understanding of these complex phenomena.

As we delve deeper into the book, we encounter chapters that present interventions aimed at addressing the myriad challenges faced by informal economies. From initiatives to enhance food security and financial inclusion to collaborations for climate action and waste management, our contributors offer practical strategies and innovative approaches to empower informal workers and enhance their socio-economic well-being. Through case studies, policy analyses, and stakeholder collaborations, these interventions provide a roadmap for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers striving to foster inclusive and sustainable growth in diverse socio-economic contexts.

However, amidst the wealth of ideas and interventions, we must recognise the stark realities and pressing challenges confronting informal economies and the communities they support. From the gig economy’s impact on labour rights to the gender disparities that pervade informal employment, our contributors highlight the persistent inequalities and structural barriers that hinder the realisation of SDGs. They challenge us to confront these injustices and advocate for meaningful change through rigorous research and critical analysis, offering insights and perspectives that inspire action and transformation.

As editors, we are deeply grateful to our esteemed contributors for their scholarly rigour, intellectual curiosity, and unwavering commitment to advancing knowledge and promoting social change. Their collective efforts have enriched this volume with invaluable insights, innovative ideas, and practical solutions that have the power to shape policy, inform practice, and inspire future research in the fields of informal economy and sustainable development.

In conclusion, Informal Economy and Sustainable Development Goals: Ideas, Interventions and Challenges is more than just a book; it is a testament to the resilience, ingenuity, and potential of informal economies to contribute to a more just, equitable, and sustainable world. We hope readers find inspiration, knowledge, and motivation within these pages to join us on this journey towards a future where informal workers are empowered, and communities thrive. Sustainable development has become a reality for all.

Thank you for embarking on this journey with us.

Sincerely,

A. Vinodan

S. Mahalakshmi

S. Rameshkumar