Understanding gender dynamics among informal sector shop-owners: a case study of spaza shops in Lindelani, Durban.

Abstract

Spaza shops contribute significantly to informal economic activity in South Africa. The spaza shop industry is known to generate enormous revenue while providing employment at the family and community level. However, spaza shop owners face a number of challenges ranging from lack of education, business knowledge and skills, financial assistance, transport challenges, facilities such as trading and storage space and security and safety threats. Furthermore, the magnitude of these challenges is compounded by gender dynamics. The aim of this study was to consider gender dynamics among spaza shop-owners through a case study of spaza shops in Lindelani, Durban. To uncover relevant information of gender and spaza shop industry, the study used qualitative methodology. The study found that female spaza shop owners face gender discrimination and gender stereotypes compared to male counterparts. The findings of this study are consistent with the literature and feminist perspectives arguing that female spaza shop owners are disadvantaged as compared to their male counterparts. The study found that female spaza shop owners lose considerable time performing household chores. Thus performing dual roles forces females to spend more time at home looking after their business and performing household chores, thus working long hours. Feminist literature argues that existing gender inequality stems from limited opportunities for females to participate in various aspects of the public sphere, such as education, political activity, and employment. Moreover, the study further found that crime stand to be the main concern for majority of spaza shop owners. Financial assistance, education, business knowledge and skills, transport challenges, facilities such as trading and storage space are among other challenges that spaza shop owners face in their day to day business. However, the severity of these challenges varies greatly with the gender of the spaza shop owner.