Dislike and Survival: work related dynamics of gig platform workers in India

Abstract

Using Ashford et al.'s (2018) framework, the current study investigates the lived experience and outcomes of Indian platform workers and their coping mechanisms. A sample of 36 platform workers engaged in medium/low‐skilled platform work was recruited using purposive sampling. Thematic analysis revealed five themes about lived experiences, namely ‘Low earnings’, ‘Missing control’, ‘Missing human interface’, ‘Source of livelihood’, and ‘Missing role of the government’. The study also deduced gig work outcomes as ‘Dislike for the job’ and a ‘Sense of survival’. Finally, ‘Family cohesion’ was identified as a resource for these workers. The study extends Ashford et al.'s (2018) model for low/medium‐skilled workers and develops a holistic understanding of platform work in the Indian context. Further, the study suggests the applicability of psychological contract and conservation of resources theories for a sample of platform workers and presents implications for practice and policy.