The Informal Sector of Cities

Characteristics of Local Codes for Street Vendors as Urban Elements and Employment in Makassar

Abstract

Since the economic crisis, the informal business has become one of the most important factors which characterize the urban environment. The informal sector consists up multiple, different job types one of which is street vending. This study examines street vending by comparing and contrasting groups of street vendors. In this analysis, detailed information of the social demographic characteristics, earnings, aspirations, and perceptions of this type of work are used. Data collection was carried out at vendors concentrations in Makassar City which are located in a special area by using quantitative methods based on interviews and questionnaire forms distributed to the street vendors.

This study shows that for various functions which are grounded on land-use planning for which street vendors have different local codes for city identity, policymakers should consider these when framing public policies. Accordingly, this paper calls for the need to shed light on these conditions, not only due to their importance for city of Makassar but also due to the potential to transform our understanding.