DIRECTIONS IN DEVELOPMENT
Human Development
Striving for Better Jobs
The Challenge of Informality in the Middle East and North Africa
Roberta Gatti, Diego F. Angel-Urdinola, Joana Silva, and Andrs Bodor
2014 International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank
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AttributionPlease cite the work as follows: Gatti, Roberta, Diego F. Angel-Urdinola, Joana Silva, and Andrs Bodor. 2014. Striving for Better Jobs: The Challenge of Informality in the Middle East and North Africa. Directions in Development. Washington, DC: World Bank. doi:10.1596/978-0-8213-9535-6. License: Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 3.0 IGO
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ISBN (paper): 978-0-8213-9535-6
ISBN (electronic): 978-0-8213-9536-3
DOI: 10.1596/978-0-8213-9535-6
Cover photo: Toufik Berramdane. Used with permission. Further permission required for reuse.
Cover design: Naylor Design
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Striving for better jobs : the challenge of informality in the Middle East and North Africa /
Roberta Gatti... [et al.].
p. cm. (Directions in development)
Includes bibliographical references.
ISBN 978-0-8213-9535-6 (alk. paper) ISBN 978-0-8213-9536-3
1. Informal sector (Economics)Africa, North. 2. Informal sector (Economics)Middle East.
3. Labor marketAfrica, North. 4. Labor marketMiddle East. I. Gatti, Roberta.
II. World Bank.
HD2346.A56S77 2012
331dc23
2012011909
Contents
Preface |
Acknowledgments |
Contributors |
Abbreviations |
Overview |
Background |
Understanding Informality |
Informality in MENA: Levels and Trends |
Who Are Informal Workers? |
Informality among Firms |
Informality in MENA: Exclusion or Choice? |
Barriers to Coverage and Policy Options |
Notes |
References |
Chapter 1 | How Large Is Informality and Why Do We Care? |
What Is Informality? |
How to Measure Informality |
Why Does Informality Matter? |
Informality in MENA |
What Causes Informality? |
Conclusions |
Annex |
Notes |
References |
Chapter 2 | Profile and Micro-Determinants of Informality |
Introduction |
Macroeconomic Context |
Informality Profile |
Determinants of Informality |
Conclusions |
Annex |
Notes |
References |
Chapter 3 | Informality and the Firm |
Introduction |
Description of Informality among Firms |
Main Costs and Benefits of Informality for Firms |
Stylized Facts on Informality among Firms in MENA |
Conclusions |
Annex |
Notes |
References |
Chapter 4 | Informality: Choice or Exclusion? |
Introduction |
Informality and Wages |
Job (Im) Mobility |
What Are Informal Jobs Like? |
Self-Employment: A Choice? |
How Much Are Workers Willing to Contribute to Social Security? |
Networks and Intergenerational Persistence |
Conclusions |
Annex |
Notes |
References |
Chapter 5 | Barriers to Coverage and Policy Options |
Part 1. Addressing Institutional Barriers and the Low Productivity Trap |
Part 2. Extending Social Insurance Coverage |
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