Post-Soviet informality: towards theory-building

Aliyev, H. (2015) Post-Soviet informality: towards theory-building. International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, 35(3/4), pp. 182-198. (doi: 10.1108/IJSSP-05-2014-0041)

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to suggest that informal practices and institutions of post-Soviet countries differ from informality in other post-socialist regions and, therefore, proposes categorizing it as “post-Soviet informality” – a composite definition that extends beyond the concept of “informal economy” and encompasses, along with economic activities, social and political spheres. Design/methodology/approach – The arguments of the paper are based on a comprehensive analysis of secondary sources. Findings – This paper shows that, owing to the effects of antecedent regime’s legacies and the problems of post-communist transition, for the proper analysis of informality in post-Soviet countries it needs to be based on an own concept. Originality/value – This study, in contrast to the existing literature on informality in post-communist spaces, specifically focuses on the informal sphere of post-Soviet countries, suggesting that the informal institutions and practices thriving across the vast post-Soviet space not only differ from the informal spheres elsewhere in the world, but also from informality in other post-communist regions.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Aliyev, Dr Huseyn
• Authors: Aliyev, H.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Central and East European Studies
• Journal Name: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
• Publisher: Emerald
• ISSN: 0144-333X
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2015 Emerald Group Publishing Limited
• First Published: First published in International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy 35(3/4): 182-198
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy