KJCKorea
Journal Central

@article{ART003032803},
author={Kim Hyun Jeong and Hongjian Lin},
title={Platform Labor as a Regional Phenomenon: The Case of Meituan Waimai},
journal={Asia Review},
issn={2234-0386},
year={2023},
volume={13},
number={3},
pages={231-269}

TY - JOUR
AU - Kim Hyun Jeong
AU - Hongjian Lin
TI - Platform Labor as a Regional Phenomenon: The Case of Meituan Waimai
JO - Asia Review
PY - 2023
VL - 13
IS - 3
PB - 아시아연구소
SP - 231
EP - 269
SN - 2234-0386
AB - This paper explores regional characteristics, meaning, and experience of platform labor by investigating a leading Chinese delivery platform company called Meituan Waimai. Specifically, we examine whether platform laborers are guaranteed more autonomy in Chinese society and what costs or hardships workers endure to gain said autonomy. We note that platform labor emerged as a solution to meet the needs of traditionally employed workers, who sought greater freedom in their work arrangements. Our findings reveal that the rise of platform labor expanded the range of employment options available to traditionally employed workers, significantly reduced the number of families in poverty, and made the transition into the labor market smoother for the socially disadvantaged class. On the other hand, we observe that the platformization of labor in China, like in other regions, enables the algorithmic surveillance and control of laborers and potentially makes it difficult for workers to unionize. Moreover, this paper demonstrates that Chinese gig platform companies serve as economic, political and social entities. Meituan Waimai plays a political role as it actively instructs its workers to align with the social values endorsed by the Chinese government. It also plays a social role by offering workers minimal social security and job education and training, thereby enabling them to pursue opportunities for better occupations. As such, platform labor takes on specific characteristics within the unique structural and situational contexts of each society. Therefore, platform labor should be examined and understood as a regional phenomenon.
KW - Platform labor;delivery app workers;worker's autonomy;dependent self-employed workers;labor relations
DO -
UR -
ER -

Kim Hyun Jeong and Hongjian Lin. (2023). Platform Labor as a Regional Phenomenon: The Case of Meituan Waimai. Asia Review, 13(3), 231-269.

Kim Hyun Jeong and Hongjian Lin. 2023, "Platform Labor as a Regional Phenomenon: The Case of Meituan Waimai", Asia Review, vol.13, no.3 pp.231-269.

Kim Hyun Jeong, Hongjian Lin "Platform Labor as a Regional Phenomenon: The Case of Meituan Waimai" Asia Review 13.3 pp.231-269 (2023) : 231.

Kim Hyun Jeong, Hongjian Lin. Platform Labor as a Regional Phenomenon: The Case of Meituan Waimai. 2023; 13(3), 231-269.

Kim Hyun Jeong and Hongjian Lin. "Platform Labor as a Regional Phenomenon: The Case of Meituan Waimai" Asia Review 13, no.3 (2023) : 231-269.

Kim Hyun Jeong; Hongjian Lin. Platform Labor as a Regional Phenomenon: The Case of Meituan Waimai. Asia Review, 13(3), 231-269.

Kim Hyun Jeong; Hongjian Lin. Platform Labor as a Regional Phenomenon: The Case of Meituan Waimai. Asia Review. 2023; 13(3) 231-269.

Kim Hyun Jeong, Hongjian Lin. Platform Labor as a Regional Phenomenon: The Case of Meituan Waimai. 2023; 13(3), 231-269.

Kim Hyun Jeong and Hongjian Lin. "Platform Labor as a Regional Phenomenon: The Case of Meituan Waimai" Asia Review 13, no.3 (2023) : 231-269.