Abstract
This special issue sheds light on transnational migrants’ engagement with
informal urban economies worldwide. Building on anthropological literature on
migration and economy, it proposes “transnational street business” as a new concept
for grasping transnational dynamics in the informal urban economy. Through ethno-
graphic case studies from different regions, the special issue illuminates how the con-
cept of “transnational street business” serves to analytically capture the urban street’s
multitude of economically entangled and interdependent transnational social alliances,
hierarchies, friendships, and networks. The concept encompasses the materiality of the
street and the goods that are exchanged and transacted in trade relations. It also high-
lights the skills for competition that are needed for orientation in legal and political
landscapes that cut across the formal and informal divides that migrants are faced with
when setting out to create a livelihood abroad.
informal urban economies worldwide. Building on anthropological literature on
migration and economy, it proposes “transnational street business” as a new concept
for grasping transnational dynamics in the informal urban economy. Through ethno-
graphic case studies from different regions, the special issue illuminates how the con-
cept of “transnational street business” serves to analytically capture the urban street’s
multitude of economically entangled and interdependent transnational social alliances,
hierarchies, friendships, and networks. The concept encompasses the materiality of the
street and the goods that are exchanged and transacted in trade relations. It also high-
lights the skills for competition that are needed for orientation in legal and political
landscapes that cut across the formal and informal divides that migrants are faced with
when setting out to create a livelihood abroad.
Originalsprog | Engelsk |
---|---|
Tidsskrift | Migration and Society |
Vol/bind | 6 |
Udgave nummer | 1 |
Sider (fra-til) | 1 - 15 |
Antal sider | 15 |
DOI | |
Status | Udgivet - 2023 |
Udgivet eksternt | Ja |
Emneord
- Business
- Transnational migration
- Trade
- Informal urban economy
- Ethnography