The Right to the Curb: Spatial Politics, Informal Labor, and the Social Precarity of Street Vendors in Junagadh

Divya Khaniya

Abstract: This research investigates the complex sociological dimensions of street vending in Junagadh, Gujarat, a city characterized by its historical significance and rapid urban transformation. While street vendors constitute a vital organ of the urban informal economy, providing essential goods and services to diverse socio-economic strata, they remain tethered to the fringes of formal urban planning. Utilizing a qualitative framework involving semi-structured interviews and field observations, this study explores the "spatial politics" governing the streets of Junagadh, where the quest for livelihood constantly clashes with municipal "cleanliness" drives and the rhetoric of urban modernization. The findings reveal that street vendors navigate a landscape of profound "social precarity," marked by the absence of legal recognition, systemic harassment by local authorities, and the persistent threat of eviction. Furthermore, the paper analyses how these vendors negotiate their "right to the city" through informal networks and social capital, which serve as essential but fragile safety nets against institutional exclusion. Beyond mere economic hardship, the research highlights the psychological toll of stigma and the erosion of dignity inherent in criminalizing their trade. By documenting the lived experiences of vendors in Junagadh, this study contributes to the broader sociological discourse on urban marginality, arguing for a more inclusive urban governance model that recognizes informal labour not as a nuisance, but as a fundamental component of the urban social fabric.

Keywords: Informal Economy, Spatial Politics, Urban Precarity, Street Vending

How to Cite?: Divya Khaniya, "The Right to the Curb: Spatial Politics, Informal Labor, and the Social Precarity of Street Vendors in Junagadh", Volume 15 Issue 5, May 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 442-444, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=MR26505195513, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/MR26505195513

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