ABSTRACT
In cities across Latin America, street vendors are an ever-present part of urban life. While street vendors have a long history in Latin American cities, their presence is also connected to high rates of poverty and inequality across the region. This chapter reviews current literature on the urban informal sector and street vendors in Latin America. It begins by outlining key characteristics of the urban informal sector and explores the lives of those who work on the streets. The chapter explores rising conflicts over access to public space in the region. While some cities have adopted a punitive approach to regulating city streets, other have embraced a more inclusive “right to the city” approach. The chapter concludes by urging planners and scholars to explore alternative futures for truly inclusive Latin American cities.
