Rethinking Formalisation: A Conceptual Critique and Research Agenda
Abstract
The concept of ‘formalisation’ has been ubiquitous
in development discourse and policymaking. It has
underpinned policy interventions and proposals from tax
registration to property titling, and a range of measures
intended to connect informal entities with state institutions
or formally structured markets. Despite the policy
enthusiasm, however, the outcomes of formalisation
policies have frequently been disappointing. Summary of Working Paper 127.