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Cited by 80Digital Economy and Work TransformationLegal and Labor StudiesLabor Movements and Unions

Dynamics of contention in the gig economy: Rage against the platform, customer or state?

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Wood, Alex J., Martindale, Nicholas, Lehdonvirta, Vili·2023·New Technology, Work and Employment
DOI 10.1111/ntwe.12216
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Abstract

Protest in the gig economy has taken many forms and targets (platforms, customers and state officials). However, researchers are yet to adequately account for this diversity. We use a European survey of Upwork and PeoplePerHour platform workers to investigate worker orientation towards different forms of protest. Results reveal that worker anger, dependence and digital communication shape contention in the remote gig economy. Support for collective organisation is associated with anger at platforms as well as their dependence on the platform and communication with other workers. Individual action against clients is associated with anger and communication but not dependence. Support for state regulation is associated only with anger but not dependence or communication. We conclude that the relational approach entailed by Mobilisation Theory can aid explanation in the gig economy by shedding light on the dynamic process by which solidarity and dependence alter the perceived cost/benefits of particular remedies to injustice.

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Cited by

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Authors
Wood, A. J., Martindale, N., & Lehdonvirta, V.
Affiliations
  • University of Bristol (GB)
  • University of Oxford (GB)
Corresponding author
Wood, Alex J.
ORCID
Venue
New Technology, Work and Employment
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2021-09-27
Volume
38
Issue
2
Pages
330-350
ISSN
  • 0268-1072 (ISSN-L)
  • 1468-005X
DOI
10.1111/ntwe.12216
OpenAlex
W3200462231
Cited by
80
References
5
Citations by year
2026: 13 · 2025: 19 · 2024: 21 · 2023: 12 · 2022: 14 · 2021: 1
FWCI
16.63
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • New Technology Work and Employment (publishedVersion)
  • Explore Bristol Research (submittedVersion, other-oa)
  • SocArXiv (OSF Preprints) (submittedVersion)
  • SocArXiv (OSF Preprints) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
Funders
H2020 European Research Council (639652)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Digital Economy and Work Transformation
  • Social Sciences › Business, Management and Accounting › Industrial relations › Legal and Labor Studies
  • Social Sciences › Public Administration › Labor Movements and Unions
Keywords
gig economy, protest, platform workers, Upwork, digital communication, collective organization, government regulation, solidarity, remote work

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