Regional variations in informal employment in Türkiye: a multilevel analysis

Gemicioğlu S., KIZILIRMAK YAKIŞIR A. B.

Regional Studies, vol.60, no.1, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 60 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/00343404.2026.2643449
  • Journal Name: Regional Studies
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, IBZ Online, ABI/INFORM, EconLit, Geobase, Index Islamicus, Political Science Complete, Public Administration Abstracts, Public Affairs Index, Urban Studies Abstracts
  • Keywords: Gender, informal employment, multilevel logit model, region, Türkiye
  • Ankara University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study examines the variation in informal employment risk across subregions in Türkiye and assesses the extent to which regional differences contribute to this risk. It further investigates how this regional variation differs by gender, thereby assessing whether women and men face different risks of informal employment across regions. The findings reveal substantial regional differences in the risk of informal employment; regional differences contribute 10.2% to the overall variation in informal employment risk, with 9.2% for males and 15.4% for females. Furthermore, gender-based disparities in the risk of informal employment varies between subregions, demonstrating considerable spatial heterogeneity.