When a crisis threatens: A study on the experiences and perceptions of Argentine craftsmen during socio-economic crises

Abstract

This article analyzes the atypical work during socio-economic crises by investigating the different forms of perception and appropriation of the crises and how they affect different areas of the lives of a particular group of “atypical workers”, viz. the craftsmen. On the basis of a quantitative and qualitative approach, it highlights workers who develop their labor activities in Argentine crafts markets located in the cities of Buenos Aires, La Plata, El Bolson and Villa Gesell. The article claims that the majority of craftsmen don’t ascribe importance to the “great social and economic crises” (2001-2002, “international crisis of 2008-2009”, etc.) and stress the significance of local and regional crises and their impact on them. A discussion of the reasons for this situation is part of this study.

Key words: socioeconomic crises, atypical labor, informality, craftsmen, Argentina.