RSG154: Deepa Das Acevedo on Regulating the Gig Economy

In this episode, I’m interviewing editor Deepa Das Acevedo about the new book ‘Beyond the Algorithm: Qualitative Insights for Gig Work Regulation’ – I actually have a chapter in it, as well! I’m glad to have participated in a book like this, as my chapter, in particular, brings the driver perspective to this conversation. It will be a great resource for the industry, including regulators, the media and more.

Also, I just wanted to mention that The Rideshare Guy offers consulting work for businesses – surveys, driver insight, product evaluation and more. If you’re interested in working with me, head over to the Consulting page here.

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Intro to Deepa Das Acevedo

  • Law professor at the University of Alabama Law School
  • Has been studying the gig economy since 2013
  • Focuses on employment law
  • PhD in Anthropology, became interested in the gig economy

Participant Observation

  • Started working in the gig economy, hanging out with drivers
  • It’s not ‘just’ hanging out – it’s making observations
  • It won’t give you all the data, but you can get an understanding of what drives people
  • Gets you stories that help you explain what you’re studying

Beyond the Algorithm: Qualitative Insights for Gig Work Regulation

  • Overview: pulls together insights from people like Harry (and others who contributed to the book) along with research to say ‘these types of conversations are something regulators should pay attention to’
  • Without this information, judges, city council members, etc. are operating on a partially empty basis
  • A lot of information has come out from journalists – but what happens is those references become the only references regulators have
  • They’re not always fleshed out or challenged – so regulators don’t have the full picture

Providing the Full Picture

  • A lot of conversations around the gig economy come from old data or even other cities
  • Gig workers seem to be left out of the conversation entirely
  • Ex. surveys show drivers want to be independent contractors, but this doesn’t fully encompass the law, etc.
  • Motivations don’t always make sense – saying ‘drivers want to be ICs’ leaves out nuances

Employment and the Law

  • Independent contractor status can be difficult to balance
  • Real life and legal implications
  • Should what drivers want matter? Certain protections in place so they aren’t taken advantage of
  • This isn’t to say regulators have everything they need – it’s still enormously complicated

Process of Creating a Resource Like Beyond the Algorithm

  • Not as bad as warned!
  • Credit goes to contributors for the work
  • Engagement among the contributors
  • Cambridge only has hard copies right now, but paperback edition will be out in a few months

Outro

  • Thanks to Deepa for coming on the podcast, and for editing such a great compilation of insights on the gig economy
  • The book is going to be an excellent opportunity to learn about different viewpoints on similar issues
  • If you pick up a copy of the book, let me know!
  • Shout out to all of my co-authors (see below!)

Show Notes

-Harry @ RSG