Los Viajantes as a Learning Track at the “University of the Street”

Abstract

Informal trade in everyday consumer goods—food, clothing, household appliances, perfumery products, and others—on a small and medium scale, carried out by individuals of Bolivian origin in the city of San Salvador de Jujuy, constitutes a study and research setting for the University of the Street, or UdelaC.

The levels of participation, trajectories of participation, groups involved, construction of identities, learning relationships, observable behaviors, and theoretical and strategic knowledge that are produced and renewed make up a complex situation in which the transfer and circulation of competencies and forms of knowledge are based on the interactive practice of a sui generis commercial activity.

In this sense, the socioeconomic circuit of the self-styled Viajantes is made up of paseros, suppliers, drivers, money changers, storage keepers, stallholders, resellers, customers by request, and regular customers, among others.

Each community of practice has particular features in its activity and learning, as well as in the roles of its experts and apprentices. At the same time, there are social practices related to religious and civic festivities that consolidate the community of practice.