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This paper investigates the heterogeneous, long, and short-run and causal relationship between the size of the informal economy and three usual variables related to each of the most important theoretical approaches on informality, namely, the dualist, legalist, and structuralist view. Specifically, we consider GDP per capita, institutional quality and trade openness. We explore this relationship, using novel econometric techniques such as CS-ARDL panel data approach to analyses a sample of 133 countries over the period 1995 to 2017. The results show a long-run relationship between the variables at the global level and by country group. GDP per capita, institutional quality and trade openness are negatively associated with the size of the informal economy. The signs confirm the dual and legal hypothesis; however, the sign is opposite to that suggested by the structuralist hypothesis. Additionally, we obtain a U-shaped relationship between the size of the informal economy and the level of economic development. This means that the informal economy does not tend to disappear in the long run. In terms of policy implications, we provide support about the effectiveness of GDP per capita, institutional quality and trade openness in diminishing the size of the informal economy. Nevertheless, based on our results of a U-shaped relationship between informality and GDP per capita, public policy should be designed conditional on the level of development of a certain country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the process of urban governance through the lens of street trader displacements, a common policy adopted by city authorities in Africa. Whilst some knowledge exists on how central-local government relations affect urban governance, the combined effect of the nature of sub-national governance and local political dynamics on the process of urban governance requires deeper consideration. Drawing on in-depth qualitative case study research in Lagos, Nigeria, this article analyses how urban governance processes produce street trader displacements. From the "war against indiscipline" (WAI) policy by the Nigerian government to the "kick against indiscipline" (KAI) taskforce set up by Lagos State Government to implement its zero-tolerance policy against informal economy workers, street traders in Lagos have continuously suffered under unfavourable government policies. This legacy led up to the large-scale street trader displacements around the popular Oshodi Market in Lagos in 2009. Based on an analysis of urban governance through the lens of the displacements in Oshodi, this paper reveals how the overwhelming influence of city authorities and state-society relationships combine to produce displacements, with existing market trader associations unable to contest street trader displacements due to their political co-option by city authorities. The paper furthers knowledge on how politics shapes urban development and highlights the need for a careful consideration of enduring complex underlying relationships for a grounded understanding of urban governance in the African context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Colombia, over 50 % of the working population is employed in the informal economy, including street vending. This research aimed to analyze the socioeconomic conditions of street vendors located in public spaces of Florencia, Department of Caquetá, Colombia. The study examined the vendors' socioeconomic and commercial heterogeneity through gender, age, educational level, migratory status, income, type of goods and services they offer, and use of public space. To address this objective, we conducted 190 surveys and 39 interviews. This study shows the multifaceted nature of street vending and the vendors' perspectives on possible relocation, which is important for the development of public policies, especially since the research was carried out in an intermediate city. • The research was carried out in an intermediate city, which have been little studied in terms of informal economy and street vending. • The research allowed the analysis of the push-pull paradigm in Street Vendors migration. • The study made it possible to contrast the gender discrimination in informal economy and Street vending. • The research provides insight into the variability in street vending related to poverty and other factors of vulnerability as forced displacement. • The research identified key elements related to relocation and formal employment that contribute to the formulation of public policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]