Formalizing Street Vendors in Bogotá, Colombia: The Network of Provision Services to Public Space Users (REDEP)

Abstract: This thesis aims to describe in depth the Network of Provision Services to Public Space Users (REDEP), which is a new formalization program for street vendors in Bogota. The development of this study contributes to the research about street vending policies in Bogota, which have been studied little by the academy. To achieve a depth description of this program, this study approached three important aspects of the REDEP: the rationale behind its creation, its legitimation and its outcomes. In order to do this, this thesis has used Foucault’s concept of Discipline and the policy approach Aestheticization of Poverty described by Roy. In addition, Bogota’s street vending policies between 1990 and 2005 has been analyzed. Finally, 22 vendors working in REDEP’s kiosks and two officials working in REDEP’s management were interviewed. This thesis concludes that the creation of the REDEP has as main cause the negative perception of peddlers as threatening population to development of the Bogota as a “democratic” and ”equalitarian” city. Like other formalization initiatives, the program has aimed to formalize and discipline street vendors through the construction of kiosks and points of sale. REDEP’s outcomes according to vendor’s perceptions have not been completely positive in aspects like sales, working conditions and levels of participation.