Street Food Vendors and the Dynamics of Public Space in the Emerging Mega City of Hyderabad

Abstract

In this paper I discuss how and why socio-economic transformation affects urban public spaces, using the example of street food vendors in Hyderabad. The underlying question is whether the general socio-economic transformation is reflected in the segment of street food vending. In this context transformation is to be understood as a transition from an established system to a different system with altered basic structures: living conditions and values change in a fundamental and dynamic manner. During transformation traditional and new structures often contradict each other, factors formerly regulating systems lose impact and have to be replaced. In this way transformation is set apart from pervasive societal change. To create a sound foundation for my argument I will first touch on the conception of public space, introduce street food vending and illustrate the process of transformation in Hyderabad. In the first part of the paper I will introduce links between transformation and public space in general to then narrow in on the transforming discourses on street food vendors in Hyderabad. The second part of this paper shifts perspective, from overarching discourses to the daily practices of street vendors: I distinguish three strategies of space appropriation, and afterwards demonstrate how claims on using public space are negotiated, using four examples. Finally I will bring together the two parts and conclude with thoughts on how overarching discourses may affect the usage of public space.