China's Gig Economy: 200 Million Precarious Workers and Global Labor Market Implications
By
miohtama
Crackles when you bite it. Shows the baker did the work.
Summary
China's gig economy has grown to encompass 200 million workers, representing 40% of the urban labor force. These workers use technology platforms for temporary jobs but face precarious conditions, struggling with property ownership and access to public services and benefits. The article presents China's massive gig workforce as a warning about how technology is reshaping labor markets globally.
Key quotes
· 4 pulledChina's farm labourers and industrial proletariat have been joined by an army of gig workers
Fully 200m, or 40% of the urban labour force, depend on some kind of flexible work
The fortunes of these precarious workers, many of whom struggle to buy property and gain access to public services and benefits, will shape China's economy and society for years to come
As technology remakes labour markets, China's gig workers offer lessons for the world
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