Social development and informal markets: lessons from Thohoyandou market, South Africa. Issue 1 (2nd January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vermaak, Jaco
• Is Part Of: Development in practice. Volume 27:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 53
• Page End: 63
• Publication Date: 2017-01-02
• Subjects: Labour and livelihoods – Migration -- Sub-Saharan Africa; Technical assistance -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Economic assistance -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; 338.91091724
• DOI: 10.1080/09614524.2017.1258038
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0961-4524

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This article explores informal markets as spaces of socialisation. Informal markets are important given the increase in migrants seeking a better life in cities and the need to formulate appropriate development policies. The methodology used involved a literature study that focused on social adaptation, and fieldwork done at an informal market in South Africa. The results show that informal traders are able to adapt to difficult circumstances by using informal networks, and also that they can remain victims trapped in poverty if they accept their powerless situations.