La lucha por la apropiación del espacio público desde una organización de comerciantes informales en el Sector 9 de octubre de la ciudad de Cuenca

Abstract

The increase of informal commerce in the 9 de Octubre sector is a reality that is evidenced by the constant arrival of new workers to the squares and sidewalks of the sector due to the lack of job opportunities, the lack of life, the socioeconomic crisis, among others. In this research, we address these problems and at the same time analyze the conflicts generated by the use of public space in the 9 de Octubre sector between "The Association of Autonomous Traders 9 de Enero", the authorities and the different actors that converge there. The methodological approach used was qualitative, with a simple embedded case study design. The techniques used to obtain data were literature review, semi-structured interviews, non-participant observation and stakeholder mapping. Among the most relevant results, it became evident that the previous municipal administrations played a fundamental role in the conflict, since they are in charge of establishing the regulations for the use of public space where, generally, they have focused on coercive and restrictive policies. The autonomous merchants have responded to this through organization and social protest, as these are key factors for guaranteeing their permanence in the space and accessing support, defense and negotiation networks with municipal authorities and other social actors. The study concludes that political commitment is necessary to generate negotiation processes, reflected in the construction of dignified stalls and avoiding the peripheries of the city with low commercial movement and high mobilization costs.