The underground economy and social stratification

Abstract

Few sociological studies escape without some consideration of variables which involve the ranking of people or positions. The intent of this paper is to point out a serious problem in our measurement of status/mobility/stratification/class, a problem which is increasing in its seriousness with the growth of the underground economy. In this paper, we (1) define the underground economy, (2) survey research on its size and growth in the United States, (3) define the problems which the underground economy poses for sociology using stratification research as an example, and (4) point out the promise for sociology of including the underground economy in our research.