Work and Alienation in the Platform Economy: Amazon and the Power of Organization

The book explores how Amazon's e-commerce and digital labor platforms organize workers, alienate them, and how they organize to express their agency in traditional and alternative ways. It is written for social scientists studying the platform economy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 222 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2023
Publisher: Bristol University Press

The impact of platforms on the world of work has become increasingly evident, with Amazon leading the way in reshaping the landscape. This comprehensive book delves into two distinct Amazon platforms, namely the e-commerce platform and the digital labor platform (Mechanical Turk), to explore their unique approaches to organizing workers. Through exclusive access to these workers, the book uncovers the ways in which different working conditions alienate them and examines how workers navigate these challenges to assert their agency in both traditional and alternative ways. This timely and insightful analysis is a valuable resource for social scientists engaged in studying and researching the evolving platform economy.

The rise of platforms has had a profound impact on the world of work, and Amazon has been a prominent player in this transformation. This book examines two key Amazon platforms, the e-commerce platform and the digital labor platform (Mechanical Turk), to explore their distinct approaches to organizing workers. Through in-depth interviews and observations, the book sheds light on the ways in which these platforms shape working conditions and the experiences of workers on both sides of the equation.

One of the key findings of the book is that the e-commerce platform employs a highly structured and hierarchical structure, with workers categorized into specific roles and responsibilities. This structure can lead to feelings of isolation and disempowerment among workers, who may feel like they have limited control over their work and little opportunity for advancement. In contrast, the digital labor platform (Mechanical Turk) operates on a more decentralized model, where workers are free to choose their own tasks and work at their own pace. While this flexibility can be appealing to workers, it can also create challenges in terms of job security and stability.

Another important aspect of the book is the way in which workers on both platforms are organizing to assert their agency and improve their working conditions. Despite the challenges posed by the platforms, workers are using a variety of strategies to advocate for their rights and interests. This includes forming unions, collective bargaining, and social media campaigns to raise awareness about their experiences and mobilize support for their cause.

The book also explores the broader social and economic implications of the platform economy, including the impact on traditional industries, the distribution of wealth, and the role of technology in shaping the future of work. The authors argue that the platform economy has the potential to create new opportunities for workers and entrepreneurs, but it also poses significant risks and challenges that must be addressed.

Overall, this book provides a valuable and timely analysis of the evolving platform economy and the impact it is having on workers and society. It is a must-read for social scientists, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the changing nature of work in the digital age.

Weight: 488g
Dimension: 162 x 241 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529226546