After the Gig: How the Sharing Economy Got Hijacked and How to Win It Back

The book "After the Gig" explores the dark side of the gig economy and proposes ways to make it more equitable for users and workers. It argues that the peer-to-peer structure augmented by digital tech can lead to a fair and shared economy, but regulatory reforms and cooperative platforms are needed.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 272 pages
\n Publication date: 27 July 2021
\n Publisher: University of California Press
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The book "After the Gig" has been recognized as the Management & Workplace Culture Book of the Year, 2020, by the Porchlight Business Book Awards. A Publishers Weekly Fall 2020 Big Indie Book, the book delves into the dark side of the gig economy, including platforms like Uber and Airbnb, and explores ways to make it more equitable for users and workers who are most exploited.

When the "sharing economy" emerged a decade ago, its proponents promised that it would revolutionize the nature of work, providing earners with flexibility, autonomy, and a decent income. It was seen as a solution to social isolation and ecological degradation. However, as this novel form of work gained popularity, a darker side emerged. Exploited Uber drivers, neighborhoods ruined by Airbnb, racial discrimination, and rising carbon emissions became prevalent. Several prominent platforms are now facing existential crises as they prioritize growth over fairness and long-term viability.

Nevertheless, the basic model of a peer-to-peer structure augmented by digital technology holds the potential to fulfill its original promises. In "After the Gig," Juliet B. Schor, based on nearly a decade of pioneering research, delves into what went wrong with this contemporary reimagining of labor. The book examines multiple types of data from thirteen cases to identify the unique features and potential of sharing platforms that prior research has failed to pinpoint. Schor presents a compelling argument that we can engineer a reboot: through regulatory reforms and cooperative platforms owned and controlled by users, an equitable and truly shared economy is still possible.

The book offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the gig economy. It highlights the need for regulatory reforms to protect workers and ensure fair compensation. It also emphasizes the importance of cooperative platforms that empower users and give them a voice in the economic landscape. By adopting these measures, we can create a more equitable and sustainable gig economy that benefits all stakeholders.

In conclusion, "After the Gig" is a thought-provoking and timely book that sheds light on the dark side of the gig economy and provides a roadmap for creating a more equitable and shared economy. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the challenges and opportunities of this rapidly evolving industry.

\n Weight: 404g\n
Dimension: 145 x 222 x 24 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780520385672\n \n