The Impact of the Digital Economy on Informal Employment of Platform Economy Workers in Chinese Cities
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: In the context of the digital age, the digital economy is becoming a new driving force for global economic development. In China, in particular, it has had a significant impact on informal employment, especially platform economy workers. This study explores how the digital economy reshapes informal employment patterns and positively contributes to the urban labor market through a literature review and empirical analysis. The findings reveal that the digital economy not only creates new job opportunities and increases labor market flexibility but also fosters innovation and entrepreneurial activities. The paper further analyzes the "Digital Economy+" model, which integrates the digital and platform economies, demonstrating how this model provides diverse employment opportunities and enhances economic participation for urban informal workers. Additionally, the paper proposes strategies to help informal workers leverage digital technology to improve job quality and stability. The results aim to provide policymakers, educators, and informal workers with strategies and insights to navigate the digital economy era, while also acknowledging research limitations, such as the digital divide between urban and rural areas and the adaptability challenges faced by low-education groups. This study offers valuable perspectives for understanding the phenomenon of informal employment in the digital economy.
Author: Jingcheng Yang
Institution: Fudan University
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4405818524