Struggles and Barriers of Undocumented Street Vendors: An Analysis of Chicago’s Street Vending Network

• In Event: 084 - Student Forum Roundtable Session
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 04. Community and Institutional Action

Abstract

Street vendors face a variety of obstacles while trying to sell their products. Data collected from other studies have shown similar struggles street vendors face in cities like Los Angeles and Chicago. However, they had little focus on the aid street vendors received from community organizations. Researchers examined the effectiveness of local community organizations that assist street vendors. Several of the street vendors questioned the effectiveness of the organizations because they felt that more can be done to help them. Many of the street vendors knew that these organizations exist, but did not attend meetings or were not aware of the work being done by these organizations. Throughout this qualitative research project it was found that street vendors are most afraid and intimidated by police officers. They make little money from selling their products and are not supported by small businesses. Researchers also found that some street vendors do not sell for themselves, they sell for another person and depending on the profit made is the amount of money they receive. Many undocumented street vendors turn to street vending because of the combination of their limited education, documentation status, poor job prospects, and economic status which drives them to become street vendors.

Authors

• Evelyn Sanchez, University of Illinois-Chicago

• Maria Juarez, University of Illinois-Chicago

• Samantha Almanza, University of Illinois-Chicago