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The Place of Home-based Enterprises in the Informal Sector: Evidence from Cochabamba, New Delhi, Surabaya and Pretoria

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  • Graham Tipple

    (Global Urban Research Unit (GURU), School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK, a.g.tipple@ncl.ac.uk)

Abstract

Home-based enterprises (HBEs) are an accepted component in the informal sector in rapidly developing cities. However, they have generally received quite a bad press, especially through a concentration on the exploitation evident in piece-rate homework. From our work in low-income neighbourhoods in Cochabamba (Bolivia), New Delhi (India), Surabaya (Indonesia) and Pretoria (South Africa), we assess HBEs with respect to the characteristics of the informal sector put forward in the literature. We examine our samples of HBEs against such characteristics as small, low operator incomes, informal labour relations and non-separation of production and consumption. We find that they largely conform to expectations. Incomes are low but they are very significant in poverty alleviation. Although many HBEs require few skills, a few compete effectively in international markets.

Suggested Citation

  • Graham Tipple, 2005. "The Place of Home-based Enterprises in the Informal Sector: Evidence from Cochabamba, New Delhi, Surabaya and Pretoria," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 42(4), pages 611-632, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:42:y:2005:i:4:p:611-632
    DOI: 10.1080/00420980500060178
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Aalia Cassim & Kezia Lilenstein & Morne Oosthuizen & Francois Steenkamp, 2016. "Informality and Inclusive Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa," Working Papers 201602, University of Cape Town, Development Policy Research Unit.

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