Old inequalities in new jobs: class and gender differences in platform work in Argentina

FERNÁNDEZ MASSI, MARIANA; LONGO, JULIETA

Padua

Congreso; 40th International Labour Process Conference; 2022

Università degli studi di Padova

One of the debates in the literature on digitalization is about whether platforms mitigate certain inequalities in the labor market. Some studies indicate that although forms of direct discrimination based on gender, race or class are attenuated, digital platforms also enhance other mechanisms related to inequalities in the access and use of these technologies. The main goal of this study is to analyze the impact of platform work on inequality in labour markets characterized by strong heterogeneities, as is the case in Argentina. To do so we considered two kinds of platforms: on demand digital platforms, where tasks are locally performed; and online crowdwork platform, where tasks can be done from any part of the world. Delivery platforms in Argentina have grown spectacularly during the last few years, particularly since the arrival of new platforms in 2018. Furthermore, this period features a remarkable deterioration of the labour market: first, due to the 2018-2019 economic recession and then, because of the covid-19 pandemic. In this context, the number of individuals doing platform-mediated work has increased dramatically. Platform-mediated work means a prompt way of earning some money within a general context of reduced labour demand. In a scenario of increased unemployment, this possibility ?even figuratively speaking? means an extremely fast and efficient way of escaping unemployment and earning an income. In the case of online work, the convenience of using these platforms is determined by the exchange currency rate and the possibility of being paid in American dollars in a context of depreciation of the Argentine peso and tightening of exchange controls. Following the results of qualitative research based on interviews and social media ?posts in social networks, tutorials, podcasts, blog entries?, this paper draws on a comparative study case among workers performing different kind of tasks using platforms. On the one hand, we consider delivery couriers; and on the other, graphic designers. The research is carried out in Buenos Aires (Argentina) in 2020-2021. The guiding question of this research is how digital work processes have changed the main drivers of gender and class segregation.The analysis reveals that reproduction of inequalities persists in platform work through different mechanisms. On one hand, speaking and writing in English, a critical class indicator in Argentina, become a barrier to entry to online work. Combined with this, having family safety nets allows middle/upper class youth to dispense with the stability and social coverage of formal employment and to lead a nomadic lifestyle, for which online platforms are a good alternative to work. Thus, we observe class segregation in terms of the type of platform that can be accessed or the type of proposal that can be taken. On the other hand, differences on time availability, due to the unequal burden of care tasks, restrict the number of hours and time slots in which women with children at home can work on platforms, and therefore, also restrict their access to better paid tasks.