Informal Sector, Migration, and the Beginnings of Structural Transformation: Evidence from India’s Recent Economic History - Softcover

Bhattacharya, Prabir

Softcover

ISBN 10: 3031610873 ISBN 13: 9783031610875

Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan, 2025

Synopsis

This book explores the role of the informal sector at the beginning of the structural transformation of the Indian economy. It highlights the dynamic nature of the informal sector and the crucial role that it played in that transformation. The growth of the informal sector is analysed alongside the decline in agriculture and the growth of industry. Issues such as unemployment, wages, rural-to-rural migration, in addition to rural-to-urban migration, are discussed. The book also considers the role of social

factors, including those relating to caste and tribe, in migration decisions. It also highlights the links between migration, the informal sector, and economic growth that are also relevant to other developing countries. This book will be of interest to students and researchers in development economics, development studies, and economic history.

About this title

About the Author

Prabir Bhattacharya is an economist affiliated to both Glasgow and Heriot-Watt Universities. He is editor-in-chief of the Journal of Interdisciplinary Economics and was formerly editor-in-chief of the Progress in Development Studies. He has taught at various universities including the University College London, University of Edinburgh, Yokohama National University, Kobe University and the University of Science and Technology Beijing.

From the Back Cover

This book explores the role of the informal sector in the economic transformation of India. Focusing on the period 1950-80, it examines the factors that determined the flow of workers from one area to another and considers the impact of migration from rural to urban areas on the expansion of the informal sector. The growth of the informal sector in India is analysed alongside the decline in agriculture and growth of industry and services to show the structural transformation of the Indian economy. Broader issues, such as urban unemployment, fixed wages, education, and entrepreneurship, are also discussed.

This book highlights the links between migration, the informal sector, urbanisation, and economic growth within developing countries. It will be relevant to students and researchers interested in development economics and economic history.

Prabir Bhattacharya is an economist affiliated to both Glasgow and Heriot-Watt Universities. He is editor-in-chief of the Journal of Interdisciplinary Economics and was formerly editor-in-chief of the Progress in Development Studies. He has taught at various universities including the University College London, University of Edinburgh, Yokohama National University, Kobe University and the University of Science and Technology Beijing.

Edition details

• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
• Publication date: 2025
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 3031610873
• ISBN 13: 9783031610875
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 112