Evaluating the Social and Economic Impact of Street Vendor Activities

Abstract

This research aims to investigate the social and economic impact of street vendor activities in the urban context, with a focus on city xyz. Street vendors are an integral part of the informal sector, which has been the subject of complex debates in urban environments. They often face issues related to traffic disruption, pedestrian comfort, and cleanliness, yet remain a source of livelihood for a significant portion of the city's population. This study is conducted through a case study approach, gathering data from street vendors in City xyz through surveys, observations, and interviews. The analyzed data encompass the types of goods sold by street vendors, the physical facilities they utilize, the duration of their activities, methods of storing merchandise, the length of their operations, and the social impact on road users and pedestrians in the research area.
The research findings indicate that street vendors play a significant role in the local economy and provide access to a variety of products and services. Income analysis of street vendors indicates whether their earnings are sufficient to meet basic needs and whether they can be considered "livable" based on established Standards of Living (SOL). The conclusion of this research is that street vendors have diverse social and economic impacts in urban environments. They create employment opportunities and provide access to specific products and services, although various challenges arise in relation to their activities. This research has the potential to provide a foundation for the development of more effective policies in integrating the informal sector into the urban economic structure, taking into consideration both the positive impacts and issues arising from the presence of street vendors.