RSG154: Deepa Das Acevedo on Regulating the Gig Economy

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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.

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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

• Find Beyond the Algorithm: Qualitative Insights for Gig Work Regulation on Amazon or Cambridge University Press
• Chapter List:
• The Rise and Scope of Gig Work Regulation – By Deepa Das Acevedo 
• An Uber Ambivalence – By V. B. Dubal
• Invisible Work, Visible Workers – By Alexandra Mateescu, Julia Ticona
• The Importance of Qualitative Research Approaches to Gig Economy Taxation – By Shu-Yi Oei, Diane M. Ring
• Just a Gig? – By Alexandrea J. Ravenelle
• Algorithmic Management, Employment, and the Self in Gig Work – By Julia Tomassetti
• Regulating Transportation Systems without Authority (or Data) – By Zak Accuardi
• Words Matter – By Sam Harnett
• Rewriting the Rules – By Rebecca Smith, Maya Pinto
• What Regulators Could Gain by Listening to Rideshare Drivers – By Harry Campbell

-Harry @ RSG