Empirical study of the scale and characteristics of informal employment in the economy of the Voronezh Region
Abstract
Subject. Informal employment has been a long-standing problem that seriously affects the economy of the Russian Federation and its regions. This problem becomes even more acute in the context of socio-economic instability and growing crisis. The article presents a retrospective analysis of theoretical views on the problem of informal employment and its empirical study in the Voronezh Region.
Purpose. Identifying the scale and characteristics of informal employment in the economy of the Voronezh Region using sociological tools.
Methodology. The study involved using methods of analysis and synthesis, deduction and induction, logical construction, sociological survey, and graphic representation of data.
Results. A comparative analysis of data collected by sociological surveys provided the following results: informal employment tends to decline; young people are increasingly involved in informal employment; the largest share of informal employment is concentrated in the service sector; the main reasons for choosing informal employment at present are the advantages of flexible working hours, high wages, the desire to combine work and study; informal employment has now ceased to be of forced nature.
Conclusions. The study and the analysis of scientific publications and statistical data allowed concluding that informal employment is an acute socio-economic problem in Russia and its regions. It was justified why the policy of combating informal employment should be implemented at all levels of governance and should consolidate the efforts of all social partners. The authors proposed paths for improving state policy aimed at reducing informal employment.
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