ABSTRACT
The main challenges for artisans have evolved in relation to the neoliberal or anti-globalisation policies of successive governments. The words of the artisans tell a story that does not fit the dominant narrative. The burden of regulation that is at the heart of the neoliberal narrative hardly gets a mention from the micro-firm owners. Their concerns are with the effects of the financial crises and with unfair competition, which has been encouraged by globalisation policies. Their vision of the future is more likely to involve their families than their businesses. A main feature of the motivation of artisans is the education of their children. Very few children will take over from their parents and this is a cause some regret, but this is far outweighed by pride in the number of children who have become professionals such as doctors, orthodontists, engineers, teachers, and so on. Economic ‘man’ is secondary to family ‘man’, and this is true across genders.
