ANALYSIS OF SOCIOECONOMIC CONDITIONS OF WOMEN STREET VENDERS IN CHANGALPPATU DISTRICT

Abstract

The success of any economy is depends upon equitable economic growth the nation for which, the informal sector plays a pivotal role in urban and semi-urban economies. The informal sector is a major driver of economic development in emerging economies, contributing roughly 45-60 percent of Gross Domestic Product in many developing countries and providing livelihoods for over 90 percent of the workforce, it also act as a safety net by creating employment, fostering entrepreneurship and driving local consumption in some regions notably India. The informal sector women workforce contributes significantly to the economy, with over 94 percent of India's working women employed in this sector, contributing to 20-30 percent of GDP in specific sector like trading. They drive economic growth through domestic work, agriculture, textile production and street vending, acting as essential economic agents despite high vulnerability to poverty and exploitation. However, women in the informal sector face severe disadvantages due to lack of regulation, including extremely low and unequal wages, absence of social security (pensions, insurance) and hazardous working conditions. Therefore, the women street vendors in Chengalpattu District are spread out based on the main type of business they undertake. This study attempted to examine the socio-economic conditions and the various challenges faced by women street vendors in Chengalpattu district was conducted based on a sample of 300 respondents. The research focuses on key aspects such as demographic profile, income levels, educational status, family structure and size, working conditions, access to credit and challenges faced in day to day operation of vending activities. Selling vegetables is the most common job for street vendors (34.3%), with 103 people responding. This means that selling vegetables is the most common and probably the most important street vending activity in the area. Twenty percent of respondents (60) said that selling fruits is the second most popular business. The next largest group, with