Journal of Southern Sociological Studies
Vol. 1 No. 1 (2025): Voices from The South (First Edition)

The Power of Transportation that Perpetuates Structural Poverty : A Study of Pedicab Drivers at Bratang Terminal, Surabaya

Faris Dwi Febrianto (Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Negeri Surabaya)
Dania Afro Humairo (Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Negeri Surabaya)
Pambudi Handoyo (Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Negeri Surabaya)
Refti Handini Listyani (Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Negeri Surabaya)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Mar 2025

Abstract

Globalization brings changes in various fields, one of which is the transportation sector. Currently, there is a massive change in the transportation system in urban areas such as Surabaya. Modernization of transportation in Surabaya has occurred since 2021 through the policy of providing modern transportation such as Suroboyo Bus and Trans Semanggi. Both transportations have a big impact on the lives of pedicab drivers in Bratang Terminal. This research aims to analyze the form of transportation progress and how the power relations between the government and becak drivers in the context of structural poverty. Using a qualitative approach with observation, interview, and documentation techniques, as well as analysis of Michel Foucault's power relations theory, this study found that non-inclusive transportation policies have created a new form of domination that marginalizes informal worker groups, in this case becak drivers. The modernization has caused them to experience a significant decrease in income, loss of participation space, and increased socio-economic vulnerability of pedicab drivers. These findings suggest that efficiency-based policies without considering social sustainability can exacerbate inequality. Therefore, transportation policies that are not only environmentally friendly and efficient, but also socially just and participatory are needed to ensure that no group is excluded from the urban development process.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

jsss

Publisher

Subject

Religion Arts Humanities Social Sciences

Description

The journal is dedicated to sociological knowledge by publishing original research articles and critical review essays that address a wide range of social issues. These issues may arise from southern country, such us Asian, African, or other countries. We welcome both theoretical and empirical ...