Identity, Marginalization and Precarity in Platform-Mediated Freelancing

Abstract

This research focuses on the differential experiences of workers from marginalized populations in online freelancing. Doing so acknowledges the long-standing barriers and discrimination faced by women and racial minorities at work. This also aligns with changing work realities, including the rise of remote platform-mediated gig work. The research involves a longitudinal panel study of 108 US-based online freelancers working on Upwork, one of the largest online freelance marketplaces. Data collection combines three years of annual interviews with participants, paired with a survey and secondary data. Findings contribute to current understandings of freelancers from marginalized populations, and how platforms structure workers' outcomes.