The Productive Side of Breaking the Law: A Perspective on Informal Economies
Al Capone’s infamous quote about serving the public with "decent liquor and square games" underscores a paradoxical truth: informal economies often fill gaps left by rigid systems. Cash tips, off-the-books work, and under-the-table transactions create flexibility for businesses and workers alike.
Low-margin industries like hospitality rely on cash payments to maintain staffing levels. The agility of informal hiring practices benefits both employers navigating volatility and workers seeking gig-based income. This gray-market efficiency challenges conventional notions of productivity and regulation.