Day labor, informality and vulnerability in South Africa and the United States
Loading...
Date
2014
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Emerald
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to compare conditions in informal day-labor markets in
South Africa and the USA to better understand the nature of worker vulnerabilities in this
market, as well as the economic conditions that have contributed to the growth of day labor. The
conclusion considers interventions that are underway in the two countries to improve conditions
in day-labor markets.– The paper is based on national surveys of day laborers in South
Africa and the USA. A random sample of day laborers seeking work at informal hiring sites was
undertaken in each country. The paper presents key findings, compares conditions in South Africa and
the USA, and analyzes the relationship between economic change, labor-market dynamics, and worker
vulnerability.
Description
Keywords
Migrant workers, Underemployment, Contingent work, Informal economy, Urban informality
Citation
Theodore, N. et al. (2014). Day labor, informality and vulnerability in South Africa and the United States. International Journal of Manpower, 36(6), 807-823.10.1108/IJM-01-2014-0036