Informality and exclusion: evidence from matched employer-employee data for Lebanon and Syria

摘要: Informality, measured as the share of employed who do not have access to social security, is high in Lebanon and Syrian Arab Republic. This paper uses new data from 2010 Syria matched employer-employee surveys, which include modules that directly test for ability (Raven’s progressive matrices) self-reported personality characteristics addition a detailed section on job quality. The analysis differentials earning, attitudes toward jobs, working conditions, self-rated satisfaction across formal informal jobs shows that, even after controlling traits, there significant formality premium. Moreover, Lebanon, workers are significantly more likely than want change jobs. These findings suggest much observed informality these two countries might be due individual choice but exclusion markets. H53, H55, J23, J24, J31, J32, J42, J71, J81, K31, M51, O53