Socio-Cultural Transformations in the Heritage Labor Markets of the Old City of Taiz

Abstract

This study aims to highlight the role of heritage markets in the Old City of Taiz to providing job opportunities and employment for members of the society; and to identify the socio-cultural transformations that have affected them. To this end, this study has utilized the descriptive and analytical methodology. It has also used the interview guide as a tool for data collection, which has been conducted on a sample of thirty workers and shop owners who have been purposefully chosen.

     The study has revealed the decline of the value of heritage work due to a number of transformations the society has known in the old city of Taiz during the past years, let alone the ongoing conflict in Yemen.  All that has led to a value change that had fundamental effects on the traditional labor markets, the most prominent manifestations of which were the prevalence of an inferior view of craftsmanship, and hence the low demand for their practice, especially among the youth, which led to the drop of a large percentage of the workforce in manual jobs and moving to work in other occupations and professions. The results of the study also showed a decline in the role of heritage markets as a result of these transformations, which represents a major threat to the future of cultural heritage in the city.

Eventually, the study tries to put in place a suggested plan to enhance the developmental role in these markets with the participation of a number of executive offices in the city, Social Fund for Development SFD, and shop owners.