Paper short abstract:

By examining the historical, cultural, and social dimensions of street cries, this paper contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities inherent in urban soundscapes and the need for equitable noise regulation practices that uphold the rights of all citizens.

Paper long abstract:

Street cries, patter, pitch, or spiel – these terms encompass the verbal strategies employed by traders to enhance their sales potential in marketplaces. These utterances, ranging from impromptu calls to premeditated announcements, have accompanied market traders since the dawn of urban civilizations, when their voices served as the sole means of communicating product offerings. While pitching remains prevalent in certain street markets, particularly in southern Europe and the Global South, marketplaces increasingly face a silencing discourse aimed at reducing urban noise levels. This trend raises a critical question of social justice: how do we reconcile with the inherent 'noise' associated with certain professions? While the din of factories, roadworks, or airplanes is generally tolerated due to their economic contributions, the sounds emitted by individuals striving to eke out a living through their acoustic tactics are often subjected to suppression.

This paper, with a primary focus on Spain, delves into the historical treatment of street cries through literature review, analyzing their perception in diverse sociocultural contexts and their gradual prohibition in various parts of the world. The second section draws upon empirical data gathered during a three-year research project to provide evidence of the sonic injustice that noise regulation can inflict upon those whose sounds are suppressed. Finally, the paper concludes by advocating for participatory policymaking practices in noise regulation, emphasizing pedagogy and a shared understanding of the common good, given the highly subjective and social nature of noise perception.