This post is by Georgette Green, Business Reference and Research Specialist in the Science & Business Reading Room.
The Business Section’s new guide, Gig Economy: A Research Guide, is now available for researchers and presents an overview for researchers interested in this industry.
The gig economy refers to a sector where people engage in short-term, task, or project jobs, usually arranged with the help of a digital platform. The gig economy is not a new concept but has existed for years. The industry’s rise is due to innovations and technological advancements, which allow people to find jobs and employers to recruit employees through digital platforms. The gig economy has both advantages and disadvantages. Some benefits include flexible schedules, quick income, diverse opportunities, the ability to work globally or pursue entrepreneurship. On the other hand, some disadvantages include a lack of benefits, unstable pay, job insecurity, social isolation, and limited worker rights.
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in many business closures and a surge in individuals seeking new jobs to earn money or supplement their income. During the pandemic, gig work was one of the more popular options for workers. For example, people began using digital service platforms more frequently and working for companies like Uber or Grubhub in increasing numbers, to deliver food from chain restaurants and fine dining establishments. Other gig jobs included performing delivery services, transportation services, street performances, administrative tasks, personal training, domestic work, and many other tasks.
This guide provides researchers with information about the gig economy. It covers types of gigs, strategies for finding gig jobs on digital platforms and company websites, resources for finding statistical data, and identifying relevant global laws and regulations. Within each section of the guide, you’ll find selections of books, websites, and subscription databases with a variety of information on the industry.
If you are interested in learning about the gig economy industry, the following are books I’ve selected from our online catalog, which provide overviews and context on the industry:
- The Gig Economy: A Critical Introduction. This book introduces the gig economy and explains how it came to be, as well as what it’s like to work in this industry.
- Left to Our Own Devices: Coping With Insecure Work in a Digital Age. This book provides an overview of the digital platforms that gig workers use daily.
- Plunkett’s Sharing & Gig Economy, Freelance Workers & On-Demand Delivery Industry Almanac. This almanac provides an analysis of the industry and provides research reports on market trends.
- Side Hustle Safety Net: How Vulnerable Workers Survive Precarious Times. The book provides an overview of individuals who have turned to side hustles in the digital age.
If you are interested in learning more about business and business topics, check out our business research guides!
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