NEGOTIATING URBAN SPACE: THE OXYMORON OF STREET VENDING IN THE CITY. APPROACHES FROM THREE COUNTRIES

Abstract

Informal or street trade is an integral activity in the functioning of cities in the Global South, operating in public spaces outside of regulatory frameworks. While some view it as an invasion, others see it as essential for the survival of vulnerable sectors. This article reflects on the duality between public space regulation and social inclusion, based on studies in three South American cities: Guayaquil, Tacna, and Concepción. The aim is to better understand the dynamics of informal trade, recognizing its positive contribution to urban life and balancing the interests of vendors, urban order, and social inclusion.