Labour activity of street vendors in a beach at Natal (RN–Brazil)

Abstract

This article analyzes the ways of organization of a labor activity, specifically the street marketer, as example of informal economy in an urban beach in northeastern Brazil. Quantitative and qualitative research data issued from answers to a questionnaire and field observations of a group of sixty vendors from Ponta Negra Beach (Natal–RN) are discussed. Data from the questionnaires underwent descriptive and inferential statistical analyzes, which were crossed to clinical-interpretative analysis. Results showed the construction of a specific context for the exercise of their activity, characterized by constant need of overcoming obstacles, establishing relations of submission and differentiation in labor collectives and mobilization of diverse competencies, abilities and skills supported by practical knowledge. We conclude that informality goes beyond its insecurity and precarity, showing various aspects in common with formal work, which allows the consideration of informal work as legitimate labor activity, from a psychosocial point of view. This assumption allows to overcome the antinomy between these two modalities of labor activity.