Thw profile of ambulant comerce in Mexicali, México

Abstract

Street vending in Mexico is a significant source of employment. This nationwide phenomenon presents local characteristics that must be analyzed to better understand this group. The objective of this article is to establish the profile of street vendors in Mexicali, Mexico, in terms of demographic, economic, and labor aspects. To this end, a survey was designed and administered to 289 vendors. A distinction is also made between street vendors who have always worked in the informal sector and those who have worked or currently work in the formal sector. Logistic regression analysis is used to identify the distinguishing characteristics of both types of workers. The results show a high level of job insecurity, low levels of education, and that it is predominantly a family-based activity. The variables that define the vendor's profile are sex, marital status, age of entry into the informal sector, and length of time working informally. It is concluded that street vending arises from the inability of the formal labor market to provide adequate income for individuals. However, street vending does not improve the quality of life either; therefore, job insecurity is an essential part of this large group in the city of Mexicali, Baja California.