• Shirley D. Frigillano

  Author

This qualitative study analyzed the psychological pressures encountered by female fish peddlers. The study adopted a case study method, and data were collected in depth by an unstructured interview with the purposefully selected informants. Findings showed that female fish peddlers struggled with unstable and meager income, which led them to engage in lending activity (economic pressure). Other pressures were in terms of harassment by the police and persons in authority (social pressure) insecurity of irregular employment (emotional pressure), and health condition which includes tired body, controlled urination, and back pain while peddling fish for three-four hours every day (physical pressure). As for coping responses, they ran away and hid from the harassment and they treated pressures as part of life. The study concluded that female fish peddlers dared to engage in the dangerous and laborious occupation for survival, which is an additional burden to their routine as housewives. Amid life’s difficulties, the female fish peddlers remained resilient and optimistic.

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