Chapter II
Review of Related Literatures
This chapter presents the discussion of the literatures and studies that are related and
relevant to the topic presented in the study. This provides a clear understanding and
reliable source of information for the reader.
The Experiences of Street Food Workers
Street vendors face unique kinds of livelihood risks because of the legal, physical, and
sociocultural environment in which they work. (Lacsi, et. Al., 2022). Street food vendors
tend to dominate low-income, low-skill activities, such as selling perishable food items.
(McKay, & Osborne, 2022).And street food vendors claimed that they have no choice but to
work and sell on the street, despite the dangers, illnesses, and psychological issues they may
face, to provide for their family’s needs is very evident.(Tipon, et. al., 2023). Additionally,
street vendors are also experienced multifaceted in nature, brought on by the lack of
administrative support system, social limitation and physical aspects such as harsh weather
and climatic condition inter alia.(Khamrang, Et. Al., 2022).And there are immigrant women
who sell food and mostly of them are poor, without legal rights to stay in the United States,
and in many instances single with children. However, the immigrant women are subject to
much harassment from city officials and the police as they are forced to sell without
permits, since permits are highly unaffordable and the process bureaucratic.(Bhimji, 2018).
Street Food Vendors’ Difficulties
The challenges they face on an everyday basis in terms of accessibility to physical
space, and the hindrances that come forth in the form of non-accommodating operations
and administrative policies(Ahmed, n. Et. Al. 2021).).Challenges and concerns of the women
street vendors are multifaceted in nature, brought on by the lack of administrative support
system, social limitation and physical aspects such as harsh weather and climatic condition
inter alia.(Khamrang, et. Al, 2022).and street food vendors claimed that they have no choice
but to work and sell on the street, despite the dangers, illnesses, and psychological issues
they may face, to provide for their family’s needs(Tipon, et. Al., 2023)additionally, financial
constraints, knowledge gap, legal restrictions, absence of regulation, supply gap, lack of
working equipment and space, lack of hygienic food handling and preparation practices, and
raw material cost are the major challenges facing street food vendors.(Desalegn, 2015).
Their struggles are mostly caused by their environment and the situation that they are in
and their triumphs are mostly because of their determination and commitment as well as
their inspiration with their family.(Derla, & Balongoy, 2023).
Street Food Vendors’ Tactics for Sustaining their Businesses
Being a street vendor for low-level society is the only option and is the most viable way
to sustain their lives. Some street vendors do survival strategy in order to meet the needs of
everyday life. (Handoyo, & Setiawan, 2018).training, legalizing, and regulating street food
vending activity, improving the supply of raw materials and equipment, provision of vending
sites and stalls, and financial support are important strategies to tackle the challenges of
street food vending.(Desalegn, 2015). Street vendors use public spaces such as roadsides
and sidewalks because there are limitations which make them impossible to occupy
locations with obligations to pay, roads and sidewalks are strategic places to peddle
merchandise;(Handoyo, & Setiawan, 2018) recommends that all livelihood strategies
including human, social, physical, financial, natural and political assets should be
mainstreamed in food safety agenda for food security, wellbeing and income to be
efficiently achieved at all levels.Due to the resilience of the informants, they are able to
cope-up by employing survival strategies such as adaptation of business strategies, policy
adherence, and optimism.(Catacutan, et. Al., 2023). And because of the strategy they use
the overcome the struggles they faced it leads them to their triumphs.(Tipon, et. Al., 2023)
Theoretical Lens
The study on the unseen challenges and triumphs of street food vendors is anchored on
the Conflict Theory. This theory deals with society is characterized by inherent inequalities
and power struggles between different social groups. In the context of street food vendors,
conflict theory helps us understand the challenges they face due to power imbalances and
structural inequalities. Vendors often encounter conflicts with authorities, established
businesses, and other social actors in urban environments.(Ahmed, n. Et. Al. 2021).This
unequal distribution of power can lead to exploitation, discrimination, and marginalization
of street food vendors. (Tipon, et.al., 2023).However, conflict theory also highlights the
agency of street food vendors in resisting oppression and advocating for their rights.
Vendors may organize collective action, such as forming unions or associations, to negotiate
with authorities and improve their working conditions. Through collective mobilization and
solidarity, vendors can challenge unjust power structures and achieve greater recognition
and support for their livelihoods.(Desalegn, 2015)
