Determinants of informal work among youth in Ciudad Bolívar, Bogotá: an analysis of educational, socioeconomic and government support barriers in 2024

Abstract

Informal work represents a significant part of the economy in many regions, and in Colombia, particularly in the town of Ciudad Bolívar in Bogotá, this type of employment is a predominant reality among young people between 18 and 30 years old. The research presented analyzes the factors that influence the choice of informal work in this demographic group during the year 2024. This analysis is essential to understand and address the conditions that perpetuate labor informality in low socioeconomic contexts. The high prevalence of informal work among youth in Ciudad Bolívar reflects not only the lack of formal job opportunities, but also a series of interrelated factors ranging from educational level and vocational training to access to financial resources and government support. The decision to work informally is not based solely on the lack of formal employment, but also on the limitations and barriers that make the transition to regulated and secure jobs difficult. Understanding these factors is essential to design public policies and intervention strategies that promote the formalization of employment and improve the living conditions of these young people. This study provides a precise understanding of the factors that lead young people in Ciudad Bolívar to prefer informal work. The findings highlight the need for interventions that address educational, socioeconomic, and government support barriers to foster the transition to formal employment. Ultimately, the article offers a solid basis for the development of policies that promote the formalization of employment and improve the living conditions of young people in vulnerable contexts