Abstract:
This study explored the Childcare Choices of female street vendors in
Mankessim with children aged zero to three years. Employing qualitative
research methods, the study conducted 38 individual interviews, drawing on
insights from various study participants, including 21 female street vendors,
seven market and non-market-based child caregivers, and 10 key informants.
This study adopted social reproduction theory as its theoretical framework and
employed a thematic approach for data analysis. The findings revealed that the
childcare system in Mankessim had gaps in quality and accessibility. The
findings revealed that female street vendors had childcare needs of affordable,
safe, and reliable childcare provision. The findings suggest that female street
vendors in Mankessim often rely on non-market-based childcare arrangements
to fulfil their children’s caregiving needs. Finally, factors such as the cost of
childcare, notions of appropriate motherhood, childhood, and the presence of
social support networks shape the childcare choices of female street vendors
in Mankessim. The study recommends implementing strategic approaches
aimed at improving the general economic situation of women informal
economy workers, such as female street vendors, to indirectly alleviate some
of their childcare challenges. Additionally, this study recommends the
establishment of a community-based childcare centre in the central business
area specifically tailored to meet the needs of female street vendors and other
informal economy workers in Mankessim.
