Alternative Market Systems: Mutual Dependence for Collective Welfare in a Fish Market in Udupi

Abstract

A group of fisherwomen in a small town in South India have responded to recent threats to their livelihood of fish vending. This chapter analysis this case as an example of solidarity economy practices. It details how caste and gender intersect to strengthen solidarities amongst women, who have managed to retain control over the local fish market, while other such womenled markets have collapsed. It details the norms and practices of vending established by fisherwomen to enable inclusive, democratic market systems, based on mutual dependence and collective welfare. It explores how women perceive their work and are perceived by the larger community, with their maternal roles largely colouring the way in which their market work is perceived. This chapter thus highlights this paradox of women’s market emancipation as grounded within essentialist notions of women’s roles and place in society.