nep-iue New Economics Papers
on Informal and Underground Economics
Issue of 2022‒04‒04
four papers chosen by
Catalina Granda Carvajal
Universidad de Antioquia

  1. Policies to address the challenges of existing and new forms of informality in Latin America By Abramo, Laís
  2. COVID-19-associated income loss and job loss: Evidence from Indonesia By Rendra A. Putra; Kostiantyn Ovsiannikov; Koji Kotani
  3. Using the Value Added Tax for Redistributive Purposes in Italy: Is it Still Worth? By Paolo Liberati; Federica Lanterna
  4. Adultez By Soto de la Rosa, Humberto; Gutiérrez, Elsa; Lamotte, Citlalli; Al Camal, Mustafá

  1. By: Abramo, Laís
    Abstract: The phenomenon of informality in Latin America is strongly conditioned by the main structural axes of the social inequality matrix. It is a heterogeneous and multifaceted phenomenon in which socioeconomic, territorial, gender, age and ethnic/racial inequalities are manifested. Deeper analysis of the characteristics and nature of this phenomenon, taking into account that diversity and heterogeneity, is a still pending task that calls for the production of data and information systems able to encompass those various dimensions. This is also a central condition for the design and implementation of policies capable of tackling informality in a more appropriate, efficient and sustainable manner and of making progress in expanding the possibilities for better-quality and more protected productive and labour market insertion, as well as in closing gaps in access to decent work. This paper reviews the conceptual discussion on existing and new forms of informality in Latin America and analyses in depth the relationship between informality and the various axes of inequality that shape its labour markets, with an emphasis on the territorial and subnational dimension. Likewise, based on that diagnostic assessment, policy recommendations are proposed to advance towards the formalization of informality in its existing and new forms.
    Keywords: EMPLEO, SECTOR INFORMAL, MERCADO DE TRABAJO, IGUALDAD, ASPECTOS SOCIALES, IGUALDAD DE GENERO, JUVENTUD, GRUPOS ETNICOS Y RACIALES, POLITICA DE EMPLEO, EMPLOYMENT, INFORMAL SECTOR, LABOUR MARKET, EQUALITY, SOCIAL ASPECTS, GENDER EQUALITY, YOUTH, ETHNIC AND RACIAL GROUPS, EMPLOYMENT POLICY
    Date: 2022–03–04
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ecr:col041:47774&r=
  2. By: Rendra A. Putra (Rikkyo University); Kostiantyn Ovsiannikov (School of Economics and Management, Kochi University of Technology); Koji Kotani (School of Economics and Management, Kochi University of Technology)
    Abstract: COVID-19 pandemic has substantially altered socioeconomic conditions around the world. While numerous existing studies analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among developed states, little is known about its effects on people’s lives and social discrepancies in emerging economies. To this end, we empirically analyze the 2020 Indonesian Labor Force Survey data, hypothesizing that COVID-19 has given idiosyncratic risks and impacts on people by gender, age, education, occupation and geography. We find that income loss and job loss are prominent among males, younger and less educated people as well as among self-employed and part-time non-agricultural workers. These tendencies are not pronounced for people enjoying high income and mobility, but tend to be evident for urban residents and those having dependents. Notably, self-employed people have the highest risk of losing income, while part-time urban workers face the highest probability of losing their jobs. We conclude that in the absence of special governmental subsidies targeting these disadvantaged groups, social discrepancies related to income and employment status are expected to widen even further due to the pandemic.
    Keywords: Labor force, Informal employment, Gender equality, COVID-19
    Date: 2022–03
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:kch:wpaper:sdes-2022-4&r=
  3. By: Paolo Liberati; Federica Lanterna (University Roma Tre, Department of Economics)
    Abstract: This paper shows that a Vat structure with multiple tax rates in Italy is not the most effective way to pursue redistributive aims. As the tax revenue of the Italian Vat is particularly affected by the use of reduced tax rates and exemptions, compared to other European countries, we suggest that a shift to a uniform Vat associated to cash transfers to households with children might better achieve redistributive targets on the neediest part of the population. This outcome could even be potentially improved by considering that a uniform Vat may significantly reduce Vat evasion due to the difference of tax rates applied to sales and purchases.
    Keywords: Vat, Redistribution, Cash transfers, Italy
    JEL: H25 H20 H23
    Date: 2022–02
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:rtr:wpaper:0266&r=
  4. By: Soto de la Rosa, Humberto; Gutiérrez, Elsa; Lamotte, Citlalli; Al Camal, Mustafá
    Keywords: ADULTOS, DERECHOS ECONOMICOS, SOCIALES Y CULTURALES, BIENESTAR SOCIAL, IGUALDAD, POBLACION, DISTRIBUCION DEL INGRESO, SEGURIDAD SOCIAL, EMPLEO, SECTOR INFORMAL, POLITICA SOCIAL, ADULTS, ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS, SOCIAL WELFARE, EQUALITY, POPULATION, INCOME DISTRIBUTION, SOCIAL SECURITY, EMPLOYMENT, INFORMAL SECTOR, SOCIAL POLICY
    Date: 2021–07–28
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ecr:col093:47683&r=

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