Mobility, Poverty and Well-Being Among the Informally Employed in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

We analyse informal sector employment in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BH), using panel data from the Living Standards Measurement Studies. We derive four main conclusions. First, there is significant labour market mobility in BH. Second, those in informal jobs are much more likely to suffer from poverty than formally employed people are. Third, earnings inequality is more pronounced in the informal sector than elsewhere. Fourth, the informally employed report lower levels of life satisfaction compared to most other labour market states. We conclude that, while the informal sector helps people cope, the formal sector provides better prospects for prosperity and well-being.

Keywords: Informal sector, Poverty, Mobility, Happiness, Bosnia and Herzegovina

JEL Classification: E24, J21, P2