Surviving the Streets: An Empirical Study on the Livelihood Challenges of Street Vendors in Paramathi Velur Taluk

Abstract

Abstract
Street vending, a cornerstone of the informal economy, provides livelihood opportunities to marginalized populations, yet these workers face precarious conditions and systemic challenges. This study examines the socio-economic status, occupational challenges, and coping mechanisms of street vendors in Paramathi Velur Taluk, Namakkal District, Tamil Nadu. Employing a mixed-methods approach, data were gathered through structured interviews with 150 street vendors and analyzed using statistical and thematic tools. The study reveals systemic issues such as legal marginalization, economic vulnerability, and lack of basic amenities. This article proposes actionable policy recommendations to enhance the livelihoods of street vendors and ensure their socio-economic integration into the broader economy.

Keywords: street vending, informal economy, livelihood challenges, socio-economic analysis, Tamil Nadu