Explore the Online Encyclopaedia
Browse the online encyclopaedia
A-Z of informal practices
List of practices in alphabetical order
By location
Browse practices by country, region or continent
By theme
Browse frequently attributed keywords
By cluster
Browse practices by 'family resemblance'
Refine your search
Search by keyword
Do a full project search
Category index
Consult the full index of categories
Multi-category search
Find entries that share more than one category
Table of contents
Follow the structure of the published volumes
How to find an entry
Each entry in the database describes an informal practice, named in the local language (with some exceptions). The entries give the definition and etymology of the practice; its scope and spread and; its implication for politics, economy or society. The entries are cross-referenced with analogous or related practices. The practices are presented with empirical material that makes the ‘informal order’ more visible; refers to the key themes of ambivalence and complexity explored in the volume; weaves into a critical discussion of concepts devised for tackling such practices; illustrates the strengths and weaknesses of discipline-based analysis; points to existing research and new research questions; and reflects on most appropriate methodological tools to research the practices.
We suggest that you begin to familiarise yourself with this database by browsing alphabetically, by relevant theme or by geographical location. If you recognise the name of the practice or are interested in a particular country, you can go straight to the relevant entry and follow the cross-references from there. All entries have an 'infobox' in the top right corner that contains basic information about the entry and the its authors, as well as a list of categories allowing you to find similar practices.