This is a fascinating book that provides compelling insights into the changing nature and dynamics of informal exchanges in Kazakhstan—a society with strong norms of reciprocity—since the demise of the Soviet welfare state. Dina Sharipova convincingly illustrates the importance of informal institutions for ordinary people in order to gain access to public goods under market and state failure. Based on both quantitative and qualitative research techniques, this book offers a valuable theoretical and empirical contribution to the literature on informality.

Natsuko Oka, Institute of Developing Economies

Dina Sharipova's timely study offers both qualitative and quantitative insights into informal institutions and exchange in contemporary Kazakhstan. The data-rich material of the book is well-presented and well-structured, and follows well the argument of the book. This work is an important contribution not only for Central Asian studies but also for studies of informality and informal institutions.

Rano Turaeva-Hoehne, Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology