Decent work and economic growth: Achieving SDG 8

**Module 1: Understanding structural transformation - Kunal Sen**

• Chapter 1: An introduction to structural transformation: what it is, the features of structural transformation and new findings.

• Chapter 2: Finding patterns in new data on the structural transformation of underdeveloped, developing and developed countries.

• Chapter 3: An exploration of the different pathways of structural transformation

• Chapter 4: Policy takeaway: Policy recommendations for countries in different stages of development.

Module 2: Informal employment, decent and productive work - Marty Chen

• Chapter 1: An explanation of the terms & definitions related to informal employment and why policy makers should focus on informal workers.

• Chapter 2: Discussing the formalization debate, using street vendors as an example.

• Chapter 3: An exploration of how understanding informal work is critical to achieving sustainable development, and particularly decent work for all.

• Chapter 4: Case study - Don't throw it all away: Waste pickers in Bogotá

Module 3: The developer’s dilemma - Kunal Sen and Andy Sumner

• Chapter 1: An explanation of the developer's dilemma: the tradeoff between economic growth and equality and the implications of the inequality that occurs.

• Chapter 2: Exploring types of structural transformation and the Kuznetsian tension.

• Chapter 3: Examples of countries undergoing structural transformation in recent years within the structural transformation table.

• Chapter 4: Exploring the developer's dilemma through specific country examples - looking at patterns in inequality and poverty in Indonesia and Thailand

• Chapter 5: Key takeaways from the country examples - discussing the future of economic development and the developer's dilemma.

• Chapter 6: Background on the developer’s dilemma - and the difference between the Kuznets and Lewis ways of looking at development and inequality.

Module 4: The job ladder - Gary Fields

• Chapter 1: An explanation of the job ladder and the various types of informality within the new framework

• Chapter 2: Exploring the findings and patterns from data on income and work status across Asia, Latin America, Middle East and North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.

• Chapter 3: Policy considerations based on the new data and job ladder framework.

• Chapter 4: Kunal Sen explains how policy options have to be region specific

Module 5: Informal work and COVID-19 - Mike Rogan

• Chapter 1: How did Covid 19 affect informal workers?

• Chapter 2: A close look at the data on which groups of people were most affected by the pandemic.

• Chapter 3: Advice for a successful recovery that promotes decent work, with specific country examples.

• Chapter 4: Case study - Reclaiming rights in Khayelitsha.

• Chapter 5: Case study - Street sellers in Khayelitsha.

Module 6: Closing questions & key takeaways - Kunal Sen and Marty Chen

• Chapter 1: Why study informal employment now?

• Chapter 2: What is an example of informal employment?

• Chapter 3: How do we help informal workers into the formal economy?

• Chapter 4: What are dependent contractors?

• Chapter 5: How do you move towards formality?

• Chapter 6: Why should we prioritise the informal economy?

• Chapter 7: What is an example of a win/win policy solution?

• Chapter 8: How can we make policy regulation more accessible?

• Chapter 9: Why should we care about informality?

• Chapter 10: Is economic growth enough?

• Chapter 11: What should policymakers take from this course?

• Chapter 12: Can policy make a difference?

• Chapter 13: Is there a reason for optimism?