Abstract
China has the world’s largest population and today hundreds of millions work in the informal
economy. Chan (2023) analyzes the general features of formal and informal labor; maps working
conditions and how temporary workers (including agency laborers and student interns) resist
and acquiesce to these conditions; and draws on recent research of diverse sectors including
homeworking, construction, service, and the “gig” economy. The discussion section considers
the role of the state in regulating informal employment. Finally, the conclusion summarizes
the consequences of China’s market transformation and reflects on the prospects of stronger
labor and social protections.
economy. Chan (2023) analyzes the general features of formal and informal labor; maps working
conditions and how temporary workers (including agency laborers and student interns) resist
and acquiesce to these conditions; and draws on recent research of diverse sectors including
homeworking, construction, service, and the “gig” economy. The discussion section considers
the role of the state in regulating informal employment. Finally, the conclusion summarizes
the consequences of China’s market transformation and reflects on the prospects of stronger
labor and social protections.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Handbook of Research on the Global Political Economy of Work |
| Editors | Maurizio Atzeni, Dario Azzellini, Alessandra Mezzadri, Phoebe Moore, Ursula Apitzsch |
| Place of Publication | United Kingdom |
| Publisher | Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd. |
| Pages | 591 |
| Number of pages | 601 |
| Edition | 1st ed |
| ISBN (Print) | 978 1 83910 657 6 |
| Publication status | Published - Nov 2023 |
Keywords
- global political economy
- work
- labor relations
- the state
- informalization of labor
- China