Bulldog2828It is slightly surprising to me to see how underdeveloped areas with higher crime rates, like Skid Row, tend to have more informal economies, through businesses like streetside vendors. I understand why department stores or boutiques would not be successful in these areas, but wouldn't you think that these street vendors are more vulnerable and likely to be robbed in these high-crime areas? #so345
matluvr@bulldog2828 I had the same thought at first, but I think the article kind of flips that idea. The vendors aren’t exposed, they are more strategic about where they set up and how they act. Also, a big point Stuart makes is that a lot of their behavior isn’t just about avoiding crime, it’s about avoiding the police. So they’re constantly managing both risks at the same time, which changes how they operate way more than just fear of getting robbed. #so345