Made in Bangladesh; An analysis of the existence of informality, illegality and interaction among readymade garment firms.

Abstract

This study will examine to what extent the readymade garment industry of Bangladesh is structured by interactive means between distinctive parts of the industry. These means have often been referred to as formal - informal relations, and they have received increased attention over the last 50 years. In today’s world the terms formal and informal are used in various contexts, which have caused that the boundaries of these concepts have become blurred and ambiguous. In order to bring clearance to this debate, scholars have introduced a third concept, which is referred to as illegality. This master thesis will use the readymade garment industry to examine to what extent these three concepts can categorize distinctive sectors that possibly interact with one another. These forms of entrepreneurial interaction will be conceptualized and applied to the garment industry of Bangladesh, which will illustrate the underlying dynamics and interdependencies that exist within this industry. All together, this thesis will embody a holistic overview of the RMG industry and it will become clear that an in-depth understanding of this industry and its entrepreneurial linkages is of great importance for policy makers and developmental aims that try to alter the levels of formality, informality and illegality and therefore aim for a more sustainable readymade garment industry.