In Short:

Older workers demand less flexibility from the system and women demand disproportionately more. And, workers from low-income census tracts are important suppliers of flexibility to the system.

Abstract

Platform gig work such as rideshare driving involves workers supplying flexibility to the platform, for example, providing service when demand is high. It also can be attractive to workers who demand flexibility, for example, workers with irregular commitments in other jobs. Who benefits the most (and least) from flexible work arrangements? Workers who supply labor elastically provide flexibility to the platform and receive above the platform-average compensation. In contrast, workers who demand substantial flexibility from the platform may not achieve above-average remuneration but may nonetheless benefit from the availability of flexible work options. We characterize the demographics of Uber drivers; we demonstrate that the share of drivers that are women is highest for women from low-income Census tracks and among Black drivers. While within demographic heterogeneity is large, we show that older workers demand less flexibility from the system and women demand disproportionately more. We show that workers from low-income census tracts are important suppliers of flexibility to the system. 

About the author

Lindsey Currier

incoming assistant professor, school of government and policy

Lindsey Currier is a PhD candidate in Economics at Harvard University. Currier’s research focuses on urban economics, industrial organization, and public economics, with a particular interest in transportation and infrastructure.