Summary

In the intricate web of Eastern European societies, the lines between favors and clientelism often blur, creating a complex landscape of informality. Anthropologists examine how these personal exchanges shape social structures and relationships, revealing a world where personal connections and informal contacts frequently bypass formal procedures. Informality broadly encompasses the invisible and unwritten rules of “getting things done through personal contacts, using connections, pulling strings, and exchanging favors.” Despite this, many scholars, not just in anthropology, struggle to pin down a precise definition of informality beyond its contrast with formality. Favors, clientelism, and informal practices are deeply intertwined, making it challenging to distinguish between them and fueling ongoing debates in anthropological research.