Ekonomi Subsisten dan Strategi Bertahan Hidup pada Saat Pandemi Covid – 19 (Studi Kasus Pedagang Kaki Lima Taman Cadika di Kota Medan)

Abstract

This research examines how the subsistence economic conditions of urban traders, especially street vendors, and how their strategies are in maintaining and meeting their needs in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. The purpose of this research is; (1) to be able to find out how the subsistence conditions of street vendors are (2) to find out how street vendors strategize in maintaining their lives, and (3) to find out how street vendors struggle to meet their daily needs. The method used in this study is descriptive qualitative which focuses on the lives of street vendors in the Taman Cadika area using observation techniques, in-depth interviews, and documentation to collect data. The results of this study can be seen that these street vendors have irregular income in their daily lives but this does not make them stop fighting for their lives and their families, as well as the best education for their children even though many obstacles face them. As for efforts to maintain their economic life, these street vendors apply 3 survival strategies, namely active strategy, passive strategy, and network strategy. In carrying out their subsistence conditions, these street vendors apply 5 strategies, namely; (1) affordable prices, (2) familiar with buyers, (3) making customers buy again, (4) keeping merchandise clean, (5) call code for buyers. This is a must for them as sellers so that their customers remain there because the proceeds are to meet the economic needs of the family and pay for the education of their children. The profession of a street vendor should not be a problem because even though this job is not permanent, at least this profession reduces unemployment. The conclusion of this study is subsistence conditions as an alternative to survival where street vendors sell small to generate income with minimal risk and utilize and maximize existing resources in the family as an effort to increase income because it will be more efficient and reduce the level of expenditure that high occurs in the productivity process carried out.