A economia informal

Abstract

This text presents an overview of four of the main features of research done on informal economy. It starts with a technical question: What means can we adopt to uncover transactions that are hidden from view? This leads to the need for a clarification of the concept of informal economy, which has gained historical significance since the 1970's when the economic crisis lead to its growth. Under this heading, however, a multitude of phenomena go together. This makes it difficult to imagine a general theory of informal economy. But there are patterns of analysis that can be carried out as useful research devices. These Show a move towards informalization. This does not necessarily mean that society is actually going backwards, away from modernity and development, just that we should not expect our development to be a continuous, linear and unlimited process.