Staying “Decent” by Going Underground

Venkatesh demonstrates how the underground economy provides a network for citizens of Marquis Park to supplement their low or nonexistent incomes with untaxed, undocumented activities. The way Venkatesh describes this community’s underground economy makes it seem almost unavoidable. Although there are businesses that stay out of the shadow economy, for residents and business owners struggling to “keep food on the table, clothes on a child’s back, and rent paid up” there are few options but this underground economy, be it selling soul food out of their house, prostituting, or selling pirated movies in a restaurant (Venkatesh 61).

Though the argument could be and certainly is made that the underground economy robs the government of taxes, it is a necessity for some of these residents of Marquis Park to survive. However there are also other benefits. I found it interesting in reading these chapters how people were performing illegal activities yet I would classify them as “decent.” They perform multiple tasks to scrape by, provide for other family members and friends, and try to help others in their community. In some instances, helping other members of the community seems to have more incentive for the provider than the person receiving help or aid, such as the card sharks who will loan to members of this community unlike the banks, but still charge high interest rates. However, in some instances, store owners will pay homeless people to act as security guard either in food or cash. Not only does this provide for both the store owner and the homeless person but the community may also feel safer, knowing that someone is on the streets watching out and keeping an eye on things.

These people operating in the underground economy may be breaking the law, but they still represent decent people. Also, even though participants in the underground economy may have to associate with gangs to keep their business afloat and safe, they may be less likely to involve directly in illegal activities contributing to violence on the street. Because these people spend much of their time providing different services, such as those who work in an auto-shop for free during the day to be able to use the space for care repairs when the shop is closed, they have less time to get involved in “street” activities. Kids who might otherwise be unengaged and “street” are paid for small services, like going to a junkyard for car parts. Paradox as it is, the illegal, informal economy seems to maintain the “decency” of this community.