A Social Network Theory-Inspired Study of Social Work Intervention in the Vendor Economy

| ABSTRACT This investigation concentrates on the opportunities and challenges confronted by social work intervention in the hawker economy. Concerning research background, small traders, who represent a crucial section of the hawker economy, encounter volatility in the economic milieu and insufficient social assistance. The study aims to comprehend the function and efficiency of social work in the area of vending in order to provide targeted policy recommendations and perspectives. To examine the feasibility of social work intervention, this study employed social network theory elaboration and a literature review. The study observed that social work intervention not only offers economic support, skills training and social networking opportunities to small traders but also enables their personal growth and social integration. Nonetheless, this study discovered resource, policy and cultural limitations that impede the effective professional intervention of social work. In summary, social work plays a crucial role in the growth of the hawker economy; nevertheless, there is an ongoing requirement to boost policy support and invest more in human and material resources to uphold development and amplify its social impact.


Research Background
Social work is a professional field and method that is guided by altruistic values. Its aim is to intervene in social problems and social groups by applying professional social work methods that promote the well-being of individuals and, in turn, promote the development of society. Social workers acquire social work knowledge and skills through training and education. They provide their clients with a wide range of services, including emotional support, psychological counseling, material assistance, and linkages to resources, with the goal of enhancing their clients' quality of life and social welfare. Social work in China has been given increasing emphasis and promotion. It plays a crucial role in resolving social problems and promoting social harmony (Liang et al., 2021). Mobile vendors are the predominant informal economic activities in developing country cities (Brown, 2017). The vendor economy is an important form of economic organization in modern society, providing livelihood and economic support for many people. Nevertheless, the development of the vendor economy encounters several challenges and predicaments. The existence of itinerant vendors remains highly controversial as they occupy urban public spaces and have a negative impact on several aspects, such as urban transportation, food safety, and environmental sanitation order (Huang et al., 2012). Thus, the intervention of social work becomes significant in promoting the development of the hawker economy and enhancing the living conditions of the hawkers.

Literature Review
In recent years, there has been a gradual increase in research on the management and governance of the hawker economy. Vendor economic management and governance is a complex topic that has a positive impact on reducing poverty and promoting sustainability. Small-scale entrepreneurs provide street vendors with entrepreneurial opportunities and skills, increasing their sources of income, financial independence and sense of self-worth. In addition, the growth of the hawker economy contributes to the development and prosperity of communities, providing more employment opportunities and choices for local residents (Sarker et al., 2019).
To effectively manage the informal economy, governments need to adopt a range of measures. These measures include improving the competitiveness of the informal sector by providing business opportunities and support for entrepreneurs, implementing stronger regulations and law enforcement, and delivering public services such as education, healthcare and infrastructure to promote the informal economy. Moreover, the government must reinforce the supervision and regulation of the informal economy to deal with its instability and dangers (Khuong et al., 2021). Barriers to developing the informal sector include high operating costs, insufficient education and training, limited financial access, and poor legal and regulatory structures. Addressing these issues requires reducing the cost of doing business, improving education and training, creating a better financial environment, and strengthening regulation and supervision, as proposed by (Mugoda et al., 2020). To foster the sustainable development of street vendors, policy makers should formulate appropriate policies and support them through measures such as forming associations, providing market information, and training. Urban planning should also take into consideration the living environment of street vendors and provide them with appropriate business premises (Steiler & Nyirenda, 2021). In the informal economy, vendors can sustain their businesses by creating private spaces, which depend on maintaining social and political relationships, often arising from mass evictions (Omoegun et al., 2019).
A number of specific case studies have explored the feasibility and realization path of the self-governance model of vendors and the intervention of social organizations, and these studies have provided useful experience and insights into the management and governance of the hawker economy. For example, some scholars have discussed the "vendor autonomy" model in Kunshan City, Jiangsu Province, which has achieved positive interaction between the government and the society in terms of self-regulation and residents' autonomy through the setting up of small-scale relief points for itinerant vendors and the implementation of the management model of government guidance and vendor autonomy (Wang, 2014). For example, some scholars have analyzed the case of vendor governance in Xin Dai Town from the perspective of the function of social organizations, studying the feasibility of social organizations as a third-party mechanism to intervene and the path of realization (Jiang, 2018).
Finally, the relationship between regulators and street vendors is complex, with street vendors using a variety of negotiation strategies to gain formal and informal power even when urban regulators have formal power (Forkuor et al., 2017). Studies on the management and governance of the hawker economy are multi-faceted, including discussions on economic development, governance measures, barriers and solutions, as well as specific case studies and the relationship between regulators and vendors. While these studies provide valuable references for further research and policy formulation, the role of social work in the intervention process has been overlooked.

Problem Statement and Objectives
This study aims to explore the effects and mechanisms of social work intervention in the hawker economy from a social network perspective, taking into account the opportunities and challenges facing the development of the hawker economy and the potential role of social work. Social network theory has been widely used in the social sciences, particularly in social work and social policy research. This theory emphasizes the influence of interpersonal relationships and social connections on individual behavior and social structure. In a vendor economy, social networks among vendors can provide information, resources, and assistance to help them cope with challenges and difficulties. Social work can facilitate information flow, resource sharing and co-operation by intervening in the social networks of vendors, thereby enhancing their economic capacity and social capital. Based on the social network theory, this study explores how social work can intervene in the hawker economy to promote hawker economic development and social integration. This study has the following objectives. Firstly, to explore the theoretical basis and conceptual framework of social work intervention in hawker economy based on the social network perspective. By summarizing and generalizing social network theory, this study will establish its theoretical foundation. Secondly, it will explore how social work can provide support and opportunities for hawkers to promote their economic development by intervening in the social networks among them. Thirdly, it will explore how social work can enhance the social capital of the vendors by intervening in the social network to promote their social integration and participation. We will analyze the impact of social work intervention on the structure and functioning of stall hawkers' social networks and the significance of this impact on the social integration of stall hawkers. Finally, this study will provide relevant policy and practice recommendations to promote the effective intervention and sustainable development of social work in hawker economic development. The summary and analysis will then provide theoretical and practical insights for social work intervention in the hawker economy from the perspective of social networks. To provide guidance and reference for the field of social work in promoting the development of the hawker economy and improving the living conditions of hawkers.

Fundamentals and Concepts of Social Network Theory
The concept of a social network describes the pattern of interrelationships between members of a society with each other, which links single individuals to form certain social groups (Wang & Wang, 2018). Social network theory, as an important theoretical framework, has been widely used in the social sciences. It emphasizes the influence of interpersonal relationships and social connections on individual behavior and social structure. Social network theory can be used to interpret the effects and mechanisms of social work intervention in the hawker economy.

Six-degree Separation Theory
The "Six Degrees of Separation Theory", or "Small World Theory", was first proposed by Milgram S. The theory suggests that any two strangers only need to pass through six intermediaries to establish a connection between them (Milgram, 1967). This suggests that social networks are a closely related network structure where people are constituted by social relationships. In the social relationships of small traders there are also various relationships among small traders, such as relatives, friends, and business.

Weak Ties Theory
Mark Granovetter first proposed the Weak Ties Theory (WTT). Weak Ties represent connections between an individual and others that are weak and superficial. Compared to strong ties, weak ties are less connected and are exchanged less frequently, but they are relatively more extensive. Weak ties are more likely to connect diverse social groups and resources, offering new information and opportunities. Furthermore, intermediaries can access information and resources from varied communities through their weak ties, thereby obtaining diverse perspectives and opportunities and having an increased likelihood of gaining new knowledge, employment options, and social support (Granovetter, 1973). Intermediaries play a crucial role in linking and promoting the exchange of information within social networks and significantly affect the social capital and opportunity structure of individuals. Within the vendor economy, loose connections can offer vendors fresh market prospects, opportunities for business collaboration and support for resources.

Social Capital
A central concept in social network theory is "social capital". Bourdieu proposes that social capital refers to an actual or potential resource that is associated with the possession of a more institutionalized network of mutual recognition, i.e., with membership in a group. This network can provide each member with collectively owned support that entitles them to credit with different meanings (Bourdieu, 2008). Individuals receive resources and support through trust, cooperation and reciprocity in the social network. In a vendor economy, the social network can provide a wealth of social capital that can help vendors access information, resources, and support that can improve their economic status and living conditions.

Social Network Theory in Social Work
A social network is a theoretical system widely used in social work. Social work is an applied discipline that takes the common interests of human beings as its starting point and intervenes in a variety of social problems and social groups through the professional intervention of social workers so as to promote social progress and development by helping to solve social problems, realize social change and enhance the well-being of individuals. The study of social networks provides social workers with important support and services for recognizing and studying the connection between individuals and society, as well as for its application in real life.

Understanding Individual Social Environments and Support Networks
Social network refers to the complex network of human society formed by interrelationships between individuals. These relationships can be friendships, relatives, work relationships, etc., which play an important role in human society. The interaction of these relationships in a network can help an individual to gain and maintain social status, and at the same time, it can bring obligations and limitations (Redhead & Power, 2022). By analyzing and assessing an individual's social network, social workers can better understand the social environment in which individuals live and anticipate their social capital and support networks. This helps social work professionals to develop more targeted intervention programs and provide more effective support and services.

Identify and Utilize Potential Support Resources
There are various relationships and connections in social networks, including kinship, friendship and organizational relationships. In the service pathway, social workers can use social network analysis to find out the support network in which an individual lives and utilize these support resources to help the individual solve problems and improve their life.

Promoting Social Participation and Community Development
Social networks are not only about relationships between individuals and others but also about connections and cooperation at the community and organizational levels. Although people may not be directly connected to each other, they may participate in similar activities in the community, creating opportunities for the formation of "weak ties" (Hawe et al., 2004). By intervening in social networks, social work professionals can promote cooperation and mutual support among individuals in the community to enhance the cohesion and development potential of the community. For example, by building participation platforms, defining the main participants, clarifying the content of participation, standardizing the participation process and evaluating the effects of participation, social workers can empower residents to self-governance and stimulate their inherent potential, boosting their participation in community governance, and achieving better governance results (Li, 2023).

Promoting Innovation and Development in Social Work
Social network theory provides a new perspective that helps social work professionals reexamine social problems and individual needs. By understanding the relationship between individuals and society, social work professionals can discover new ways and resources to solve problems. Meanwhile, social workers can expand the social network of individuals and provide online support and services through emerging social platforms such as social media, thus meeting the needs of different groups. In the future, with the development of information technology and network platforms, as well as the improvement of the national training system for social workers, there will be a trend of "online" social work services. This shift is not only conducive to responding to sudden public crises but also enriches the way social work services are provided, giving full play to professional strengths, and in the long run, will promote the renewal and development of social work (Zhang & Lai, 2021).

The Potential of Social Network Theory in Vendor Economy Research
The social relationships between people in the ground floor economy are complex, and the related social network theory is the main tool to study them. In practice, the relationships between vendors are both horizontal and vertical. Horizontal relationships are mainly characterized by competition between vendors, such as competition for stalls and stall seizure, etc. Vertical relationships are mainly characterized by the interaction between different types of stakeholders and vendors, such as the management of vendors by stakeholders. At the macro level, social network theory can provide an in-depth analysis of the relationships between vendors, resource flows and market opportunities.
Firstly, an in-depth understanding and study of the relationships and linkages between small traders. Small traders operate within a complex and diverse social environment that is characterized by human relationships and interconnections of resources and information flows. Based on this premise, social relationships among vendors are examined at the micro level, with the aim of uncovering the network of relationships among them and comprehending the function of various interconnections in market operations. The second step involves understanding the circulation and allocation of resources in the vendor economy. Social networks function as a platform for circulating information and resources, allowing individuals to leverage their social connections to gain access to information, capital and opportunities in the market. Following this, the paths and patterns of resource distribution among vendors become apparent, leading to an investigation of the uneven allocation of resources and opportunities in the market. Finally, this research delves into the creation and dissemination of market opportunities in vendor business. Social networks provide a platform for disseminating information and communication. People can use these social relationships to obtain more market information and business opportunities. By analyzing social networks, we can comprehend the transmission pathways of such opportunities among vendors and their impacts. We can then explore the mechanisms of their production and evolution.

Development of China's Vendor Economy
As an important form of economic organization, the Chinese hawker economy has undergone a long and richly varied history of development. From early street vendors to modern mobile traders, the Chinese hawker economy has developed unique characteristics in different historical periods and social contexts.
During the planned economy period, China implemented a planned economic system, and the hawker economy was restricted and controlled. During the reform and opening-up period, the reform and opening-up policy that began in 1978 brought about great changes to China's hawker economy. The advancement of the market economy and the rise of the private economy provided more opportunities for vendors to develop. The scale of the vendor economy has expanded rapidly, and street vendors have become widespread in both urban and rural areas. As China's urbanization process accelerates, the importance of the hawker economy in cities continues to grow. A large number of migrant workers have flooded into the cities and become the main practitioners of urban vending. Vendor neighborhoods and night markets have gradually become part of the city's cultural and tourist attractions. Since 2000, the Chinese government has made several adjustments to its policies for managing the vendor economy. On the one hand, the government has strengthened the regulation and management of vendors in order to maintain public order and the image of the city. On the other hand, the government has provided some support and enabling policies to encourage vendors to start their own businesses and find employment. With the rise of mobile Internet and e-commerce, China's hawker economy has further developed and evolved. "Internet Vendor" has become an emerging business model where vendors can conduct business more conveniently and attract more consumers through mobile devices and online platforms. The linkage between e-commerce and the real economy will soon become a new type of cooperation trend, opening up the national market through live streaming, brand cooperation and other online publicity modes, thus realizing that the stall economy drives the regional economy (Min, 2022).

Social, Economic and Legal Challenges to the Vendor Economy
The "stall economy" is a major form of economic development in China, and the social, economic and legal impact it has suffered cannot be ignored. This impact not only relates to the personal operation and life of small traders but also relates to the development of the whole city and society. With the development of the market economy, vendors face competition not only from other vendors but also from large supermarkets and e-commerce. Large-scale superstores and e-commerce are able to provide more choices of goods and lower prices through economies of scale and supply chain advantages, which impacts the market share and profit margins of vendors. For example, some consumers prefer to shop at superstores instead of purchasing goods from vendors. This market competition and price pressure means that some vendors need to continuously improve their competitiveness and innovation. Third, the challenge of legal and management systems. Problems with street vendors include the lack of formal business licenses and premises, often facing pressure and enforcement actions from city authorities, as well as hygiene problems, quality problems, and consumer protection issues (Reid et al., 2010). Due to the lack of clear legal provisions and management mechanisms, the vendor economy suffers from unorganized development and chaotic management in some places. Some vendors face the risk of being banned and punished because they lack legal status and licenses. At the same time, some vendors have also committed illegal acts, such as tax evasion and the sale of counterfeit and substandard goods, which have brought about certain impacts on social order and consumer rights. Therefore, the establishment of a sound legal and management system to protect the legitimate rights and interests of vendors and to safeguard market order and consumer rights and interests is an important task for the development of the vendor economy.

The Need and Potential for Social Work Intervention in the Hawker Economy
From the perspective of social networks, it is a practical way to intervene in small traders by using the professional methods of social work. It can provide a certain theoretical foundation and practical guidance for the intervention of professional social workers.

Assisting Vendors with Livelihood and Social Security Issues
Street vendors view their work as a survival strategy in the face of economic hardship and limited employment opportunities (Bernal-Torres et al., 2020). Also stemming from the instability and uncertainty of the hawker economy, so much so that many hawkers have livelihood, social security and social welfare dilemmas. They have no regular source of income and find it difficult to access appropriate social welfare services. Social workers can help small traders change their vocational awareness, provide employment training services, stimulate their potential abilities, and assist them in improving their vocational level and competitiveness in the market, thereby increasing their income and improving their living standards. In addition, social workers are able to help traders link up with relevant resources and assist them in applying for social insurance and obtaining other relevant social security, thereby enhancing their ability to cope with social risks.

Promoting Social Integration and Equitable Development
Due to the many problems associated with the economic development of vendors, such as urban planning restrictions, market competition and rising prices, some vendors are often ostracized by society in real life and are in a socially disadvantaged position, thus becoming a socially vulnerable group. Social workers have a positive role to play in promoting the business activities of vendors, advocating the social status of vendors to the whole society, and promoting the formulation and improvement of relevant laws and regulations so as to strive for more resources for vendors at the grass-roots level, thereby enhancing social capital, promoting social integration and reducing social inequality.

Maintaining the Urban Environment and Promoting Social Responsibility
The operation and development of vendors are often accompanied by problems of urban cleanliness and waste disposal. Often, street vendors are stigmatized by the general public as symbols of "backwardness" and "dirtiness" and as a "stumbling block" in attracting domestic and foreign investors and tourists. Hawkers have become "the new undesirables in the urban landscape" (Roever & Skinner, 2016). Social workers can raise awareness of urban sanitation management through publicity and counseling for vendors so that vendors can recognize the importance of cityscape management and actively participate in specific actions to reduce the negative impact on the urban environment. At the same time, it can promote small traders to assume their social responsibility and thus enhance their sense of identity with society.

Roles and Functions of Social Work in a Social Network Perspective
From the social network perspective, social workers can play different roles and thus perform different functions.

Relationship connectors and coordinators
Social work can be regarded as a "holding relationship"; based on this trust and stable relationship, social work assists caseworkers to obtain security, support and stability (Ferguson et al., 2022). On the one hand, social workers act as connectors and coordinators of social network relationships, assisting vendors in establishing and maintaining their own social networks, and on the other hand, through the provision of counseling services and links to relevant resources, assisting vendors to establish cooperative partnerships, form cohesion, and develop a good social culture of mutual help, so as to jointly solve problems encountered in the course of their business.

Service Providers and Supporters
By assessing the specific needs and problems of the vendors, the social worker understands their actual needs and difficulties and chooses the appropriate professional approach. The role of the supporter includes referring service beneficiaries to external resources and providing a sort of "toolbox" but does not impose a certain course of action (Lévesque et al., 2019). While providing direct services, social workers stimulate the realization of the potential of vendors through professional services, enhance their independence and overcome the psychology of dependence, i.e., "helping people to help themselves".

Resource Raiser
In their professional practice, social workers often need to liaise with different departments and organizations, and by raising the resources needed by vendors from them and then passing them on to the vendors, they link social resources with their clients, meet the actual needs of the vendors, and help the vendors to solve their complex problems.

Challenges and Limitations of Social Work Intervention in the Hawker Economy
There are still certain difficulties and constraints in the intervention of social work in the group of small traders, which have an impact on the effectiveness of its role.

Insufficient Relevant Resources
In specific professional services, social workers usually face constraints in terms of human, financial and material resources. These factors will affect the quality and progress of the relevant services and even the interests of the service recipients. As a result, social workers are unable to provide all-round and consistent support and services to vendors.

Policy Environment Constraints
In promoting the development of the hawker economy, the relevant social policies of the Government play a significant role in guiding and constraining the actual business activities. However, the current social work system and social policies in China still have some unsound, uncoordinated and unstable problems, thus restricting the intervention of social workers. At the same time, there are no clear and specific regulations on the governance policy of street vendors in some areas, which makes the intervention process of social workers on vendors uncertain in laws and regulations and uncoordinated in the implementation of social policies. Therefore, it is necessary to promote the formulation and implementation of relevant regulations and policies to provide strong policy support and guarantee for social work intervention.

Sociocultural Cognitive Challenges
The street hawker economy is often viewed as an "informal economy" and "underclass economy", and people's perception of it is often biased and discriminatory to a certain extent, and hawker groups are often negatively labeled by society at large. As a result, when social workers intervene in the governance of specific hawkers and provide social services to them, they may face public skepticism and lack of understanding and have a wrong understanding of the role and importance of hawkers. For this reason, it is important to strengthen the awareness of members of the community about the behavior of street vendors and thus improve the understanding of the public.

Conclusion
The main research objective of this paper is to explore the opportunities and challenges, as well as the limitations and constraints, of social work intervention in the hawker community. By analyzing the current situation and challenges of the hawker economy, this paper draws some important conclusions. At the same time, the study also reveals some key issues and provides some suggestions and perspectives for future policy formulation and practice.

Social Network Theory Can Play an Important Role in the Management and Governance of the Vendor Economy
The establishment and development of social networks provide a platform for cooperation and interaction among vendors and facilitate the sharing of information, resources and support. Social work intervention further enhanced the formation and development of social networks and provided professional services and support to the vendors. This finding provides guidance to policymakers and relevant social work practitioners, emphasizing the importance of social networks and encouraging them to pay attention to the building and development of social networks in managing, governing and intervening in the hawker economy.

Current Situation and Challenges Facing the Vendor Economy
High costs of doing business, difficulties in accessing finance, and weaknesses in legal and regulatory frameworks constrain the development and sustainability of vendors. The process of urbanization and changes in town planning have also had an impact on the hawker economy, which may result in hawkers being forced to relocate or cease their businesses. These issues require the concerted efforts of policymakers and the community to formulate and implement policies and measures to support vendors and provide a better business environment and development opportunities.

Limitations of the Study 5.3.1 Limitations of the Research Object
Only the role and effectiveness of social work among small traders were discussed, while other specific audiences were not explored. For example, special populations such as migrant workers and people with disabilities were not analyzed in depth. Thus, in future research, the horizon can be further broadened, and other aspects can be explored in greater depth.

There is a Certain Subjective Bias in the Selection of Existing Research Results
Although every effort has been made to collect relevant academic information and give reference sources, some important studies may still be overlooked. In the subsequent research, the relevant academic information can be comprehensively sorted out and organized to further improve the collection and review of literature.

Limitations of the Research Methodology
The methodology of literature review and discussion was mainly used without empirical research and data analysis. Although the literature review is a summary and analysis of existing studies, the lack of empirical data support may limit the reliability and generalizability of the conclusions. In the future, a mixed research methodology combining qualitative and quantitative studies could be adopted to assess the impact and effectiveness of social work intervention more comprehensively and accurately in the hawker economy.

There are Limitations in the Research Methodology
The research approach used in this paper is mainly based on literature review and exploration, does not utilize empirical research and data analysis, and does not conduct in-depth field research and case study analysis. Future research can combine relevant examples and data analysis to explore in-depth the feasibility and effectiveness of social work intervention in the hawker economy.

Suggestions and Outlook 5.4.1 Necessity of Policy and Regulatory Support
The Government plays an important role in promoting the development of the hawker economy. By formulating and improving relevant laws and regulations, the Government can provide appropriate guidance and standards for the hawker economy and ensure a fair, transparent and sustainable business environment for the hawker economy. Firstly, the Government can define the rights and obligations of hawkers through appropriate laws and regulations, thereby safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of the hawker economy. Secondly, policy support can be provided to promote collaboration and mutual assistance among hawkers and encourage the establishment and development of social networks. Finally, training and skills upgrading can also be supported through policies to enhance the capacity and competitiveness of vendors.

The Important Role of Social Organizations
Social organizations can provide professional social work services, guidance, training and support to vendors at the micro, meso and macro levels. This will help hawkers overcome the challenges they may face, promote cooperation and mutual assistance among them, and establish a platform for information exchange and resource sharing. At the micro level, social organizations can provide personalized social work services to hawkers. At the meso level, social organizations can provide group training and support to traders. This includes providing traders with training in business management, marketing, financial management and other related areas to help them improve their operational efficiency and profitability. At the macro level, social organizations can promote cooperation and mutual support among stall hawkers through the establishment of platforms for information exchange and resource sharing, thereby facilitating the integration of the hawker economy into the wider community.

Industry Self-Regulation and Competitiveness
Trade associations and chambers of commerce can strengthen industry self-regulation and self-management, formulate industry standards and codes, and improve standardization and competitiveness within the industry. Trade organizations can cooperate with government and social organizations to promote the sustainable development and social integration of the hawker economy.

Consumer Responsibility and Support
People can support local hawkers by choosing to buy their products and services. This not only contributes to the development of the hawker economy but also helps to preserve and perpetuate traditional culture and handicrafts. Consumers can also provide feedback and suggestions to help vendors improve their products and services, thereby increasing satisfaction and market competitiveness.
Funding: This research received no external funding.