Institutional perspectives on understanding street retailer behaviour and networks: cases from Ghana

Abstract:
This book chapter looks at the diverse organisational forms and the interrelated political, economic, and social relationships of street and market vendors in Ghana. In terms of political organising and associational life, the focus is on product associations found in Ghanaian markets. Each association is headed by a market queen, with the self-employed market traders forming the membership base. The associations are in charge of allocation of market space and other day-to-day issues related to managing the markets, as well as negotiating prices with wholesalers. They also lobby to the local authorities and settle disputes between the traders. According to the members, the associations provide welfare services, mainly referring to assistance with funeral costs.