Background
The term “underground economy” refers to economic activities that are not recorded or regulated by the government. These activities typically evade taxation, regulation, and statistical quantification.
Historical Context
The notion of underground economies dates back to various points in history where illicit activities or black markets persisted, primarily during periods of severe economic regulation, prohibition, war, or reapid inflation. During World War II, for example, black markets thrived due to rationing.
Definitions and Concepts
The underground economy encompasses a range of activities, including but not limited to informal employment, off-the-books transactions, and the trade of illegal goods and services. It is also known as the hidden economy, shadow economy, black market, or informal sector.
Major Analytical Frameworks
Classical Economics
Classical economists typically focused on aggregate productivity and market mechanisms, often sidelining the undeclared segment of the economy.
Neoclassical Economics
Neoclassical economics examines the underground economy as a deviation or distortion of market practices, often discussing it in terms of market failures and inefficiencies.
Keynesian Economics
Keynesian economics might consider the underground economy in the context of national income measurement, as unreported incomes lead to inaccuracies in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) calculations and affect public policy.
Marxian Economics
Marxian economists may view the underground economy through the lens of capital and labor relations, potentially highlighting the exploitation and precarious nature of such informal work.
Institutional Economics
Institutional economists often investigate the role institutions play in driving economic activities underground, emphasizing regulatory, legal, and social frameworks.
Behavioral Economics
Behavioral economists might explore why individuals engage in underground economic activities, considering psychological and social factors that lead to unreported economic behavior.
Post-Keynesian Economics
Post-Keynesians may concentrate on the implications of underground activities for effective demand, fiscal policy, and social inequalities, advocating stronger public sector oversight for economic accuracy.
Austrian Economics
Austrian economists might accept the underground economy as a natural response to government overreach, excessive regulation, or failings, emphasizing individual choice and market freedom.
Development Economics
Development economists often study the underground economy within developing economies, highlighting its role in sustaining livelihoods albeit outside formal regulation.
Monetarism
Monetarist frameworks might analyze how underground economies influence money supply management, inflation, and the effectiveness of monetary policies.
Comparative Analysis
Underground economies vary widely across different countries and societies. Factors affecting their size and scope include level of regulation, tax rates, enforcement mechanisms, culture, and economic conditions.
Case Studies
- United States during Prohibition: illustrates how strict regulatory environments can expand underground economies.
- Greek shadow economy: showcases issues of tax evasion and informal labor in a modern developed context.
- Black markets in Venezuela: demonstrate how shortages and hyperinflation foster underground activities.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Mystery of Capital: Why Capitalism Triumphs in the West and Fails Everywhere Else” by Hernando De Soto
- “Corruption, Development and Institutional Design” by J. Rogers Hull
- “The Economics of the Informal Sector: Shadow Economies and Modern Finance” edited by Edmunds Valdez
Related Terms with Definitions
- Informal Economy: Economic activities that are not forestalled by state regulations.
- Shadow Economy: Synonymous with the underground economy, highlighting aspects hidden from the official record.
- Black Market: Trade of illegal goods and services.
- Tax Evasion: Illegal practices to escape paying taxes.
- Gray Market: Legal goods sold outside authorized trading channels.
