Collaborative consumption providers: examining the roles, classifications, and earnings of gig workers

Collaborative consumption platforms foster a connection between consumers seeking a service and providers with available capacity. Collaborative consumption providers, often referred to as gig workers, play a pivotal role as independent or freelance workers rendering services on behalf of platforms. This chapter examines the roles, classifications, and earnings of gig workers. First, it explores the role of gig workers within the collaborative consumption triad and the role they play as service providers. Their classification as independent contractors, with examples that highlight distinctions between gig work and traditional employment, is then also examined. Lastly, earnings of gig workers, in particular a focus at the individual level (e.g., income, age, race, gender) and the platform level (i.e., price setting versus non-price setting), are discussed.