THE SEARCH OF BRAZILIANS FOR INFORMAL WORK: TRANSFORMATIONS IN THE WORLD OF WORK AND SURVIVAL STRATEGIES

Abstract

Informal work constitutes a structural phenomenon of the Brazilian economy, characterized by the absence of formal ties, limited social protection, and frequently precarious working conditions. Economic, technological, and political transformations have reconfigured the labor market, expanding informality and creating new modalities of labor insertion that challenge traditional categories. This study analyzes Brazilians' search for informal work, examining transformations in the world of work and survival strategies developed by workers. The methodology is characterized as an exploratory bibliographic review with a qualitative approach, based on critical analysis of scientific publications between 2020 and 2025. The results show that informal workers develop creative survival strategies, mobilizing social networks and diversifying activities, but face vulnerabilities related to the absence of social protection and income instability. The COVID-19 pandemic amplified vulnerabilities and revealed gaps in social protection systems. It is concluded that reducing informality requires structural transformations that expand educational opportunities, reduce inequalities, and promote inclusive economic development, transcending mere formalization policies.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2026.008-087