A study of the structures and functions of the sari-sari stores in Barangay Tambakan

• Main Authors: Fajardo, Denise Natalie V., Javier, Aaron D., Moreno, Althea Enna M.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2000
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/16708
• Institution: De La Salle University

The study attempted to determine and describe the structure and function of the sari-sari store within a low-income community. It determined the structure of the sari-sari store by looking at the specific aspects in establishing and maintaining the sari-sari store, as well as the role of the sari-sari store owners. This also entailed looking at the patrons of the sari-sari store and the consumer behavior of these patrons. It described the function of the sari-sari store in the community by seeking the importance of the sari-sari store to the patrons and to the whole community. It employed a descriptive design using the household survey method and in-depth interview. The household survey was conducted to twenty-five patrons of the sari-sari store while the in-depth interview was conducted to five sari-sari store owners. Through the analysis of the data gathered, three major themes regarding the sari-sari store were arrived at. First theme, the sari-sari stores as a means of adaptation to poverty. In view of the economic function that the sari-sari store provides, the sari-sari store owners and its patrons are able to deal with their financial difficulties. The structure of the sari-sari store help in ensuring that the economic functions of the sari-sari store to the people are met. This economic function also creates interdependency between the owners and the patrons of the sari-sari stores. Second theme, the sari-sari stores as a mechanism in fostering social relation. This based on the fact that the sari-sari store is a source of friendship for the community members. As such, various latent functions of the sari-sari store are discovered. Third theme, sari-sari store and the role of women. Women in the society, especially in the community under study, are left to stay in the privacy of their homes. They have the dual responsibility to earn additional income for their family and to attend to her household duties. It is then the role of the sari-sari store to enable the women to fulfill these responsibilities. As the sari-sari store is designed to meet the economic needs of the owners, consumers and the community, the social needs of these groups are also met. Through this study, recommendations were generated for further study, which will give a different and better perspective on the structure and functions of the sari-sari store in today's communities or society.