WHEN THE WASTE-PICKERS GET OUT THE MARGIN : LITTLE BATTLES AND MOBILIZATION OF ISTANBUL WASTE-PICKERS (TURKEY) Cover Image

WHEN THE WASTE-PICKERS GET OUT THE MARGIN : LITTLE BATTLES AND MOBILIZATION OF ISTANBUL WASTE-PICKERS (TURKEY)
WHEN THE WASTE-PICKERS GET OUT THE MARGIN : LITTLE BATTLES AND MOBILIZATION OF ISTANBUL WASTE-PICKERS (TURKEY)

Author(s): Bénédicte Florin
Subject(s): Rural and urban sociology, Sociology of Politics, Socio-Economic Research
Published by: Rasim Özgür DÖNMEZ
Keywords: Mobilization; Waste-pickers; Margin; Indignation; Istanbul;

Summary/Abstract: As in most other countries, the “informal” waste-pickers of Istanbul are characterized by a “social indignity” and plural stigma. But the examination of their everyday social and professional practices reveals small daily battles to earn a livelihood in a brutal context of political reforms. In order to adapt and get round the obstacles confronting them, these waste-pickers adopt all sorts of small tactics to defend themselves and legitimize their position in the city and in urban society. The spatial dimension of their work is essential, as the city is literally a resource for these “poachers”. They also feel profound sense of injustice, which sometimes leads to indignation via mobilization: far from being passive or anomic, they try to have their work recognized by the authorities.

  • Issue Year: 10/2018
  • Issue No: Special
  • Page Range: 115-134
  • Page Count: 20
  • Language: English