A Preliminary Study of the Role of Women in the Informal Sector in Marabastad

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Periodical article

Title:	A Preliminary Study of the Role of Women in the Informal Sector in Marabastad
Author:	Seymour, Estelle L.
Year:	1992
Periodical:	South African Journal of Ethnology
Volume:	15
Issue:	4
Period:	December
Pages:	126-133
Language:	English
Geographic term:	South Africa
Subjects:	informal sector women Education and Oral Traditions Women's Issues Labor and Employment Urbanization and Migration Cultural Roles economics Sex Roles
Abstract:	This article examines the role of women in the informal sector in Marabastad, which is situated to the immediate northern side of the city centre of Pretoria. It is based on an investigation which took place from June to November 1991. The author first describes the living conditions in Marabastad, the types of informal business, the predominance of fruit and vegetable hawking and the reasons for the establishment of specific enterprises. Then she presents a picture of the 50 women she interviewed on their informal sector activities: their language group; level of education; income; previous work experience; training possibilities and their views on training; problems experienced with the law; and their views on the role of the government in developing the informal sector and of the City Council of Pretoria in developing Marabastad. It is found that the informal sector is not a solution for poverty, but rather a means whereby women are able to make a marginal living for themselves and their families. Bibliogr., notes, sum. in Afrikaans and English.