(Im)Mobilities and Informality as Livelihood Strategies in Transnational Social Fields

Fradejas-García, Ignacio; Molina, José Luis; Lubbers, Miranda J.

doi:10.1007/978-3-030-82499-0_2

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 62 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…The formal and the informal are rarely separated; it has been suggested that the informal is used to "manipulate or exploit the formal rules" (Ledeneva, 2008, p. 119). Examples include those who receive Spanish unemployment benefits while in Romania or access regional social and economic benefits by acquiring a Spanish document or keeping residency in Spain by paying someone to register them at their residence (Fradejas-García, Molina et al, 2021).…”

Section: Informal (Im)mobilities Of Romanian Migrants In Spainmentioning

confidence: 99%

Labour Mobility and Informality: Romanian Migrants in Spain and Ethnic Entrepreneurs in Croatia

Polese

Fradejas-García

Banović

et al. 2022

PaG

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Post-Weberian definitions see the state–individual relationship as a “do ut des” one. The state grants protection, education, medical care, and its citizens contribute labour, compliance, and taxes. When this does not occur, it is generally accepted that the citizens are deviating from state goals. However, there are cases where lack of compliance stems from the fact that society members do not feel protected by formal structures, and they rely on informal ones to replace, supplement, or even compete with state institutions. The starting point of this article is that this lack of support may result from enhanced labour mobility (and migration) across Europe, and may enhance the creation and persistence of informal practices. Taking advantage of two case studies, Romanian migrants to Spain and ethnic entrepreneurs in Croatia, we observe how governance is constructed and provide two novel interpretative frameworks. First, we explore the use of informality (informal practices) to suggest that apparently insignificant actions that are repeated routinely and without much thought, are a way to contribute to the construction of the political and that everyday governance should receive more attention. Second, we use this claim to argue that a better understanding of informality can help identify governance areas where interventions are more urgent. These are the spheres of public life where it is possible to identify a larger gap between the wishes of a state and the ways citizens actually act as they informally avoid or bypass its rules.

show abstract

Section: Informal (Im)mobilities Of Romanian Migrants In Spainmentioning

confidence: 99%