Caring biographies : qualitative explorations of South African informal sector workers' gendered subjectivities of care

Abstract

This study examines how gender identities shape the experiences of informal sector workers, particularly street traders, as they balance work and caregiving responsibilities. Focusing on 20 street traders (10 women and 10 men) in rural Venda, South Africa, the research aims to understand the historical, cultural, and structural factors influencing gendered caregiving roles, explore the interpersonal dynamics between carers and care recipients, and analyse the impact of caregiving on gender identities. Additionally, it investigates how these traders navigate the dual pressures of work and care and the extent to which caregiving responsibilities affect their gender identities.

The study employs social reproduction theory and intersectionality as its theoretical frameworks. Social reproduction theory highlights the undervalued and often invisible labour of caregiving, which sustains capitalist economies but remains precarious, particularly in informal sectors. It also emphasizes the interconnectedness of production and reproduction activities, revealing how gendered divisions in caregiving contribute to broader patterns of inequality. Intersectionality allows for a nuanced examination of how systemic injustices intersect, shaping the unique experiences of street traders based on their social identities and cultural expectations.

Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, observations, and photography in Nzhelele and Louis Trichardt, Limpopo province. The findings underscore the complex interplay between gender, social identities, and economic activities. Caregiving roles are deeply gendered but exhibit some fluidity due to cultural, structural, and individual factors. Women typically shoulder the bulk of caregiving responsibilities, in line with traditional norms, but men increasingly challenge these norms by taking on more caregiving duties. This shift often leads to societal scepticism, particularly for men, who struggle with conflicting expectations.

Street traders employ various strategies to manage work and care, such as leveraging community support and integrating care into their workspaces. However, these strategies are often insufficient to fully address the challenges they face. The study advocates for comprehensive social security reforms, better access to business support initiatives, urban planning that considers traders’ needs, and community-based care centers. Future research should explore the reconfiguration of gender roles in caregiving, especially in the context of disability and chronic illness, and examine the experiences of care recipients to enhance the caregiving ecosystem.