Work

Motivated by Money? Class, Gender, Race, and Workers’ Accounts of Platform-Based Gig Work Participation

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: This article examines how workers describe their motivations for participation in the platform-based gig economy, particularly as rideshare and delivery drivers. I investigate how these accounts vary by socioeconomic class, gender, and race. Based on interviews conducted as part of the American Voices Project, I find that workers’ accounts differ based on income and gender. Higher earners tend to downplay financial needs and describe platform work as a path to explore their larger community, whereas lower earners focus on financial needs and benefits. Additionally, among lower earners, explanations differed by gender. Interestingly, I did not find any differences based on race. I conclude by investigating why workers from different social groups might offer varying accounts.

Source: RSF The Russell Sage Foundation Journal of the Social Sciences

DOI: 10.7758/rsf.2024.10.4.09

Author: Brandon A. Jackson

Institutions: City University of New York, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Language: English

Topic: Digital Economy and Work Transformation

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Reduced inequalities, Gender equality, No poverty

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4401880131