From margins to mainstream: pathways to resilience and reform in Lebanon’s urban informal sector

Abstract

This study applies a social exclusion and vulnerability framework to explore the compounded effects of Lebanon’s ongoing crises – financial/economic collapse, political instability, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the 2020 Beirut Port explosion – on urban informal workers. Through fieldwork that includes key informant interviews and focus group discussions, the research examines the socio-economic challenges faced by these workers, including employment and income losses, and evaluates the effectiveness of the government’s response. Findings highlight the acute vulnerabilities of informal workers, exacerbated by inadequate social protection mechanisms, and emphasise the critical need for inclusive policies to enhance resilience and well-being. The study further assesses the barriers and opportunities for transitioning Lebanon’s informal sector into the formal economy, identifying policy recommendations that address structural inequalities, promote economic stability, and mitigate the impact of future crises. By contributing to the broader discourse on informality and social protection, this research offers valuable insights for developing economies facing similar challenges.