The Other Taxation: An Ethnographic Account of “Off-the-Books” State Financing

This article contends that previous research has failed to consider resources are systematically collected by way of informal taxation and channeled support the provision public services. Drawing on extensive ethnographic fieldwork in markets for stolen auto parts counterfeit clothing Greater Buenos Aires, this describes how state agencies informally tax these economies, “follows money” extracted. While a portion does end up private pockets, shows greater share directed toward enhancing performance: welfare programs, everyday police duties, political activities. An analysis financing schemes helps us understand state’s true capacities its structural transformation over time.