Working in the informal economy: the case of streets mechanics in the Parisian suburbs

Journal title SOCIOLOGIA DEL LAVORO
Author/s Attila Bruni, Denis Giordano
Publishing Year 2015 Issue 2015/139
Language Italian Pages 12 P. 95-106 File size 114 KB
DOI 10.3280/SL2015-139008
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Referring to the results of an ethnographic research concerning streets mechanics in the Parisian suburbs the paper aims at looking at informal economy through a practice-based perspective, with a particular emphasis on the activities that constitute its articulations. Looking at the daily work of unofficial mechanics, we will show the relationships of cooperation and trust that mechanics seek and mend both in the relation with the customer, as in the one with the wider social context in which they operate. This enables unofficial mechanics to create different services for customers and gain recognition and legitimacy despite the violation of laws, making the boundaries between formal and informal economy increasingly porous.

Keywords: Work practices, informal economy, ethnography, illegalism, trust

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Attila Bruni, Denis Giordano, Lavorare nell’economia informale: il caso dei meccanici di strada della periferia parigina in "SOCIOLOGIA DEL LAVORO " 139/2015, pp 95-106, DOI: 10.3280/SL2015-139008