The Gig Economy: A Preliminary Proposal of Some Distinctive Forms

Abstract

[EN]Recent years have witnessed the emergence of a new economic model called the gig economy (GE), which is based on the use of digital platforms and a new type of employee called a gig worker (GW). With this in mind, the main aim of the present study is to present a preliminary characterization of the GE to improve the understanding of this emerging phenomenon and, thereby, to explain the heterogeneity of previous perspectives and/or results. In particular, we attempt to address the controversy surrounding the GE by proposing two extreme types of GE: the strong form and the weak form. At the same time, we recognize that they represent exist on a continuum on which intermediate forms coexist. We argue that each of these forms is contingent on specific conditions of labor supply and demand as well as on skills, which will have an impact on GWs’ employability and bargaining power as well as their labor rights and, ultimately, human dignity.