La informalidad y el bienestar : análisis de las características de trabajadores informales.

Abstract

Informal employment presents a diversity of forms and motivations. This study aims to analyze the socioeconomic characteristics of two groups of informal workers in Ecuador: street vendors and small shop vendors, using data from the 2023 National Survey of Employment, Unemployment, and Underemployment (ENEMDU). By comparing socioeconomic and demographic profiles and applying probit and logit models, the study seeks to identify differences and similarities between these groups and the influence of various variables on the likelihood of belonging to one group or the other. Results show that street vendors have lower incomes but work more hours than small shop vendors. Additionally, significant differences were found in terms of gender, educational level, and city size. The conclusions highlight the importance of education and urban planning in managing informal commerce, proposing recommendations to improve the working conditions of street vendors.