
The Gig Economy: A Critical Introduction
A Critical Introduction
Polity Press
1st Edition
Published on 29. November 2019
Book
Paperback/Softback
160 pages
978-1-5095-3636-8 (ISBN)
Description
All of a sudden, everybody's talking about the gig economy. From taxi drivers to pizza deliverers to the unemployed, we are all aware of the huge changes that it's driving in our lives as workers, consumers and citizens.
This is the first comprehensive overview of this highly topical subject. Drawing upon years of research, stories from gig workers, and a review of the key trends and debates, Jamie Woodcock and Mark Graham shed light on how the gig economy came to be, how it works and what it's like to work in it. They show that, although it has facilitated innovatory new services and created jobs for millions, it is not without cost. It allows businesses and governments to generate value while passing on significant risk and responsibility onto the workers that make it possible. This is not, however, an argument for turning the clock back. Instead, the authors outline four strategies that can produce a fairer gig economy that works for everyone.
Woodcock & Graham's critical introduction will be essential reading for students, scholars and general readers interested in the massive shifts that characterise our modern digital economy.
Reviews / Votes
Challenging and important, giving voice to workers on the front line of our growing gig economy. A must read for trade unionists, policymakers and everyone with an interest in making work better amidst rapid tech change.Frances O'Grady, TUC
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 215 mm
Width: 139 mm
Thickness: 17 mm
Weight
259 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-5095-3636-8 (9781509536368)
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
01/2020
1st Edition
Wiley
€17.99
Available for download

Book
11/2019
1st Edition
Polity Press
€66.00
Shipment within 15-20 days
Persons
Jamie Woodcock is a Researcher at the Oxford Internet Institute at the University of Oxford
Mark Graham is Professor of Internet Geography at the Oxford Internet Institute at the University of Oxford
Content
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Chapter 1: Where did the gig economy come from?
Chapter 2: How does the gig economy work?
Chapter 3: What is it like to work in the gig economy?
Chapter 4: How are workers reshaping the gig economy?
Conclusion: What's next for the gig economy?
Appendix: Draft Convention on Platform Work
Notes
References