Revisiting conflict: Neoliberalism at work in the gig economy

Seminar abstract

What is the role of conflict in bringing about radical change? Taking the case of the gig economy, we study the conditions of possibility for fairer alternative ways of organising to emerge. Currently, some commentators underscore the sense of freedom of working as a self-employed contractor; others focus on its negative and exploitative dimensions. Less attention has been given to the potential emergence of (radical) conflicts around the nature of gig work. Thus, we contribute to the study of conflict in organisation theory by appreciating two different yet interrelated phenomena. First, how neoliberal gig work mobilises positive fantasies of individualised economic prosperity and independence, leading to reformist responses to social and contractual disputes. Second, how the dark side of gig work can trigger radical conflicts, which reject the assumptions underpinning the ‘self-employed contractors’ business model. We argue that the potential for radical (labour) revolts is buffered by neoliberal individualisation and hegemonic ideology – articulated in the phenomenon that we term ‘econormativity’. Yet, as the latter offers no resolution to structural grievances, conflict continues to simmer in the background. The article aims to advance, principally from an organisation studies perspective, our understanding of conflict and its role in unleashing radical alternatives. In the seminar I will offer reflections in light of latest developments in the gig economy, from the European Platforms regulation to new forms of algorithmic control.

How to attend this seminar

This seminar is free to attend with no need to register in advance

We welcome you to join us online on Friday 6 November 2024 at 1pm.

Speaker bio

Dr Alessandro Tirapani

Alessandro is a qualitative organizational theorist, working between organizational sociology, sociology of labour, and critical theory. He is broadly interested in how digital platform influence society. His areas of expertise are precarious work (e.g., the gig economy) and social issues in digitalisation (e.g., AI and its impact on labour relations). Before joining Tilburg University in 2023, he was a postdoctoral researcher at ESADE Business School in Barcelona (Spain), and worked as a senior researcher in Brussels-based think tank focusing on youth policies. Recently, he has been an external consultant with Meta on the issue of social media and youngsters.