The aim of this introductory article is to provide a critical overview of how informality has been defined and measured, together with selected findings on its extent and character, and a summary of competing views regarding its role in contemporary economies and how it can be tackled. The outcome is a set of conceptual frameworks for understanding both the burgeoning literature on informal employment and how each of the perspectives presented in this Special Issue contributes to the advancement of knowledge on this subject so as to set the scene for the articles that follow.

Resumen En esta introducción se ofrece un breve análisis crítico de las definiciones y métodos de medición del empleo informal, se destacan algunos hallazgos importantes acerca de su frecuencia y su carácter, y se presentan las principales perspectivas en cuanto a su función en las economías contemporáneas y a las políticas aplicadas para afrontarlo. Con ello se establece un marco conceptual que permite comprender tanto la ingente literatura sobre el tema como lo que aportan a dicha literatura los demás artículos que componen el presente número monográfico.

Résumé.L'objet de cet article introductif est de proposer un panorama des définitions et modes de quantification de l'activité informelle, de présenter quelques résultats sur son étendue et ses caractéristiques, ainsi que d'exposer les thèses en présence sur son rôle dans les économies contemporaines et la façon de l'aborder. Cela donne une série de cadres conceptuels permettant de mieux appréhender la littérature foisonnante sur l'emploi informel, et aussi de mieux comprendre l'apport de chacune des contributions de ce numéro spécial au progrès des connaissances sur ce phénomène.

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With the close of this 2017 volume I will be stepping down as Managing Editor of the International Labour Review. After 11 years in that capacity and over 25 years on the editorial team, it is not easy to let go. But thanks to you, our readers and contributors, the success of the journal's 2007 "relaunch" has given me more than enough of a reward to remember when I look back. On behalf of the entire editorial team, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to you for your interest and support -and to our publisher for helping us to reach out to you.Managing the relaunch from 2006 and the intervening years has been a huge challenge but also a huge privilege, for which I am deeply indebted to many colleagues and friends who have tirelessly supported the journal over the years. In particular, I would like to take this final opportunity to extend my heartfelt thanks to the members of our wonderful Editorial Board, and to our editorial advisers and the other dedicated reviewers who helped us to assess submissions and decide what to publish. My very special thanks are also due to Kate Pfeiffenberger and my other colleagues -past and present -on the ILO team.Mark Lansky EDITORIAL FAREWELL