Formal and Informal Work

Informal work – family care, voluntary work, and undeclared or unregulated work – is a critical form of labor in today’s economy, yet remains underanalyzed and examined. This volume develops a comprehensive conceptual framework of informal work and analyses systematically the relationship of formal and informal work. Using a coherent theoretical and methodological approach, this volume explores informal and formal work in six countries and contributes to our empirical knowledge of informal work and its different interrelations with formal work in various societies. A landmark study in the analysis of work, the book demonstrates how the relationship of formal and informal work is developing, how this can be explained in the specific context of the arrangement of work and welfare, and in which ways informal work possibly contributes to social integration and social cohesion.

'This is an interesting and highly informative book, providing important insights into the nature of informal work in Europe today. Undeclared, informal work has previously been viewed as a phenomenon associated with the developing countries but, as the book reveals, it is also widespread in the Western countries....The book also makes a major contribution to understanding informal care-giving by women, and it shows that policies are badly needed to supplement and reward these activities. The book is thoroughly researched, well grounded in theory and is an indispensable resource for anyone interested in issues of employment and work today.'-James Midgley, University of California, Berkley in Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare

Birgit Pfau-Effinger is Professor of Sociology at the University of Hamburg.Lluis Flaquer is Professor of Sociology at Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona.Per H. Jensen is Professor of Sociology at Aalborg University.