Bargaining as a cultural expression in Barranquilla (Colombia): Case Shopping Center and Miami.

Abstract

The “regateo” –bargaining– as a commercial practical has been one of the characteristics
of the transactions that in Colombia are concreted all over the country. The
Colombian economy has induced hundreds of people without a formal occupation or
within the economically active class; they have overturned its activity towards the commerce,
having like central axis the “regateo” –bargaining–. This study has based on
inductive methods of investigation, having emphasized the participant observation,
the hidden videos and the in-depth interviews. From the perspective of the individual
and his interrelations, hit culture, his values, his beliefs, his myths, and his daily
commercial practices, were obtained the identification and understanding of the “regateo”
–bargaining– like cultural expression. A part of downtown of quite well-known
Barranquilla was chosen and where the traditional interchanges are permanent and
representative of the Caribbean negotiating culture.