Bias in, bias out : gender and work in the platform economy

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2021-05-21

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Abstract

This paper focuses on historically rooted gender divisions of labour that are replicated and even amplified in the digital economy, and particularly work in platform-mediated/online and virtual spaces. It highlights historical parallels to previous technological shifts, as well as the interplay between these shifts and existing gender norms, and structural bias in labour markets. It also highlights the dangers of algorithmic bias, which may exacerbate and disguise gender discrimination. Without scrutiny of the complex interrelationship between technology and culture, the introduction of new technologies will not correct longstanding power imbalances.

Description

This paper was commissioned by IDRC as part of the Women, Work, and the Gig Economy (WWGE) initiative. WWGE is a consortium of researchers and research institutions across Asia working in collaboration with policymakers, online enterprises, and workers to study how digital platforms can enhance women’s economic empowerment and build gender-inclusive labour markets in the Global South. The intention of this paper is to inform potential future research and policy agendas in a rapidly digitizing global economy.
French version available in IDRC Digital Library: Partialité et impartialité : Genre et travail dans l'économie des plateformes

Keywords

DIGITAL ECONOMY, PRECARIOUS EMPLOYMENT, BIAS, WOMEN'S EMPLOYMENT, LABOUR MARKETS, MACHINE LEARNING, TECHNOLOGY POLICY, E-COMMERCE, EMPLOYMENT CREATION, GENDER DISCRIMINATION, INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT, SOUTH ASIA, SOUTH OF SAHARA

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