Digital Labour in a Turbulent Era

This timely book examines the multi-faceted nature and growing scope of digital labour and the ways in which it is influenced by technological, societal, political, and economic trends shaping our turbulent era. It explores cutting-edge, multidisciplinary research, identifying limitations in current policy approaches and proposing alternative paths amidst technological disruption.

Contributing authors analyse digital labour along four lines of inquiry: the human-technology nexus, the political economy of globalisation, the paradox of misrecognised workers’ abilities in the knowledge economy, and social inequalities. Chapters provide both theoretical and empirical perspectives, with a focus on voices and experiences from the Global South. They move beyond earlier views focusing on digital labour as a challenge to salaried employment, highlighting its diverse organisational forms and key contributions.

This book is an essential resource for students and scholars of work and employment, across the social sciences, particularly those interested in the impact and potential of digital technologies. It will also be an invaluable guide for policymakers, union leaders and activists seeking to support workers in rapidly changing labour markets.