The Future of Work Is Informal

Abstract

This paper is a literature study on informal work. It is based upon the fact that informal work is prevalent in most parts of the world, especially in the Global South, where more than 80% of humanity lives. The paper first looks at work relations in the past and present in the Global North with special attention to the existence of a dual system where workers rights are less guaranteed for certain groups such as migrant workers or racial minorities, as well as the Global South, where workers rights have never been fully respected. The paper then turns to the rationale for informal work, grounded in four theories; the neo-liberal/dual economy school, the Neo-marxian/ structuralist school, the legalist/institutional school and the voluntarist school. These theories also provide some insight into the business rationale for informal work, which seems very strong. The final chapter takes a look into the future and provides six reasons why the future of work will likely be more and more informal. It also makes suggestions for a new paradigm based upon recognition of the realities of worker rights in the Global South and how people cope with that. This may form the basis for more effective ways to promote workers rights.