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Creative industries micro-enterprises and informality: a case study of the Shweshwe sewing industry in South Africa

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  • Jen Snowball
  • Aviwe Mapuma

Abstract

The Cultural and Creative Industries have great potential for providing employment and economic development, as has been demonstrated by a number of international studies. However, cultural firms tend to be small and employment is precarious, with a high level of informality and freelance work. This study investigates the characteristics of micro-enterprises who sew bespoke garments for individual customers using a particular South African textile, called Shweshwe. Findings show that the informality of the businesses does not have a statistically significant impact on turnover, when controlling for other factors, such as the education level of the owner. This suggests that the informal business model may be a deliberate, rational choice for firm owners working in a project-based cultural sector, rather than a survivalist strategy of last resort. Employment creation is, however, greater for those micro-enterprises operating in the formal sector, suggesting that there may still be benefits to formality for some firms.

Suggested Citation

  • Jen Snowball & Aviwe Mapuma, 2021. "Creative industries micro-enterprises and informality: a case study of the Shweshwe sewing industry in South Africa," Journal of Cultural Economy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 14(2), pages 194-208, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jculte:v:14:y:2021:i:2:p:194-208
    DOI: 10.1080/17530350.2020.1800505
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    Cited by:

    1. Gloria Janeth Murillo-Aviña & Sialia Karina Mellink-Méndez & Josué Aarón López-Leyva & Víctor Manuel Ramos-García, 2022. "Challenges and Opportunities Post Pandemic of Organizational Ergonomics to Promote the Social Sustainability in Cultural and Creative Industries: A Critical Review and Future Research Agenda," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-16, November.

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