A Survey on Socio-economic Characteristics of Informal Sector in Tabriz Metropolis (Case of Sabzeh Meydan)

Informal sector has been a common global and challenging debate within the third world cities in recent decades. The present study was conducted with the aim of recognizing the socio-economic characteristics of the population engaged in informal sector in Sabzeh Meydan of Tabriz. Results obtained from the study show that the subject has various dimensions and due to attraction of a large number of people to the economic activities of Tabriz city, which support the occupants, is of great importance. Findings of the present study which was accomplished through descriptive- analytical method using documentary and field studies by completing questionnaire as follows: 1) Most of the employees in informal sector, prior to attraction to this sector came form rural areas. 2) The average level of education for the occupants in this sector is elementary. 3) Most of the employees in this sector are living in squatter settlements. 4) Major problems related to informal sector occupants, are lack of sufficient capital, fixed location and social facilities. 5) Most of the people in this sector are in (25-45) year old range. 6) There is a relationship between employment record in informal sector and people's satisfaction. 7) There is no correlation between housing ownership and income of the people.