The aim of this paper is to evaluate critically four competing theories that variously explain in... more The aim of this paper is to evaluate critically four competing theories that variously explain informal sector entrepreneurship as a traditional activity that has not yet been incorporated into the modern system (modernization theory), a form of production integral to contemporary capitalism conducted by marginalized population groups as a survival strategy (structuralist theory), a voluntarily chosen endeavor and popular reaction to excessive regulation by the state (neo[Formula: see text]liberal theory) or a voluntarily chosen practice conducted for social, redistributive, political resistance or identity reasons (post-structuralist theory). Reporting the results of face[Formula: see text]to[Formula: see text]face interviews with 215 informal entrepreneurs in Zamfara, a tropical region in Nigeria, the finding is that no one theory is universally valid. Instead, each theory is valid in relation to different groups of entrepreneur and only by combining all of them can a finer-graine...
Recently, it has become increasingly recognised that self-servicing is a growing rather than decl... more Recently, it has become increasingly recognised that self-servicing is a growing rather than declining phenomenon. To explain this, a range of competing theories have emerged which variously portray those engaged in self-servicing either as rational economic actors, dupes, seekers of self-identity, or simply doing so out of necessity or choice. This paper evaluates critically the validity of these rival explanations. To do this, the extent of, and reasons for, self-servicing in the domestic realm is empirically evaluated through an ...
Recently, it has become increasingly recognised that self-servicing is a growing rather than decl... more Recently, it has become increasingly recognised that self-servicing is a growing rather than declining phenomenon. To explain this, a range of competing theories have emerged which variously portray those engaged in self-servicing either as rational economic actors, dupes, seekers of self-identity, or simply doing so out of necessity or choice. This paper evaluates critically the validity of these rival explanations. To do this, the extent of, and reasons for, self-servicing in the domestic realm is empirically evaluated through an ...
This study is centred on informal entrepreneurship, an age-old economic endeavour and an integral... more This study is centred on informal entrepreneurship, an age-old economic endeavour and an integral part of economic activity in Zamfara, Nigeria. The aim is to evaluate informal entrepreneurship in terms of its nature and character; the reasons why different groups participate in it; and potential policy measures which could improve the conditions of entrepreneurs in the sector and facilitate the growth of their informal firms, and encourage their voluntary and gradual formalisation. The study adopted a nested two-stage survey method research design for the data collection (household and enterprise surveys). The household survey sample consisted of 75 enumeration areas drawn from nine localities cutting across rural, suburban and urban localities, while the enterprise survey comprised of 215 participants as a sub-sample of the first stage survey. On the nature and character of informal entrepreneurship, the study reveals that this phenomenon is highly heterogeneous and widely spread ...
The aim of this paper is to evaluate critically four competing theories that variously explain in... more The aim of this paper is to evaluate critically four competing theories that variously explain informal sector entrepreneurship as a traditional activity that has not yet been incorporated into the modern system (modernization theory), a form of production integral to contemporary capitalism conducted by marginalized population groups as a survival strategy (structuralist theory), a voluntarily chosen endeavor and popular reaction to excessive regulation by the state (neo[Formula: see text]liberal theory) or a voluntarily chosen practice conducted for social, redistributive, political resistance or identity reasons (post-structuralist theory). Reporting the results of face[Formula: see text]to[Formula: see text]face interviews with 215 informal entrepreneurs in Zamfara, a tropical region in Nigeria, the finding is that no one theory is universally valid. Instead, each theory is valid in relation to different groups of entrepreneur and only by combining all of them can a finer-graine...
Recently, it has become increasingly recognised that self-servicing is a growing rather than decl... more Recently, it has become increasingly recognised that self-servicing is a growing rather than declining phenomenon. To explain this, a range of competing theories have emerged which variously portray those engaged in self-servicing either as rational economic actors, dupes, seekers of self-identity, or simply doing so out of necessity or choice. This paper evaluates critically the validity of these rival explanations. To do this, the extent of, and reasons for, self-servicing in the domestic realm is empirically evaluated through an ...
Recently, it has become increasingly recognised that self-servicing is a growing rather than decl... more Recently, it has become increasingly recognised that self-servicing is a growing rather than declining phenomenon. To explain this, a range of competing theories have emerged which variously portray those engaged in self-servicing either as rational economic actors, dupes, seekers of self-identity, or simply doing so out of necessity or choice. This paper evaluates critically the validity of these rival explanations. To do this, the extent of, and reasons for, self-servicing in the domestic realm is empirically evaluated through an ...
This study is centred on informal entrepreneurship, an age-old economic endeavour and an integral... more This study is centred on informal entrepreneurship, an age-old economic endeavour and an integral part of economic activity in Zamfara, Nigeria. The aim is to evaluate informal entrepreneurship in terms of its nature and character; the reasons why different groups participate in it; and potential policy measures which could improve the conditions of entrepreneurs in the sector and facilitate the growth of their informal firms, and encourage their voluntary and gradual formalisation. The study adopted a nested two-stage survey method research design for the data collection (household and enterprise surveys). The household survey sample consisted of 75 enumeration areas drawn from nine localities cutting across rural, suburban and urban localities, while the enterprise survey comprised of 215 participants as a sub-sample of the first stage survey. On the nature and character of informal entrepreneurship, the study reveals that this phenomenon is highly heterogeneous and widely spread ...
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