Informal commerce in public markets and vehicular crossroads 2016-2019 in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, Mexico

Abstract

As in other Mexican cities, informal trade is an ongoing problem in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, capital city of the state of Chiapas. It creates conflicts over the occupation and use of public spaces between the owners of established businesses, municipal authorities, and street vendors. Yet, informal trade is the work and life option for a large part of the population. This paper analyses how small retailers -whose activities are carried out in public places- create vulnerable market spaces based on their organization, trade union negotiation and the location of points of consumer’s convergence linked to commercial establishments or public and private transport. The vulnerability of street vendors in these places is determined by the type and volume of the goods they offer, the working and environmental conditions in which they carry out their activities, and the marginal or inadequate attention they get from the municipal authority. The empirical references of the study are public markets and vehicular crossings. Likewise, the theoretical bases of the study are the analytical categories of informal trade, public space, and places. Finally, the study uses ethnographic and cartographic resources as research techniques.