Uneasy riders: contradictory disciplinary logics for an impossible job position

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22325/fes/res.2021.35

Keywords:

disciplinary logics, organizational control, algorithmic control, subjectivity management, riders

Abstract

In this research we analyze the disciplinary logics and existing forms of organizational control in food delivery under the platform economy. The working situation of couriers or “riders” represents a significant change in the ways this process is carried out and in the organizational logics that define their position. These workers are subjected to different disciplinary mechanisms to help ensure their good performance, through both algorithmic control and subjectivity management that discursively emphasizes flexibility and autonomy. This is precisely the disruptive factor in the labor environment that these platforms claim. However, the contradictory character of these disciplinary logics draws a situation that seems impossible, or at least quite difficult, to live, which turn them into uneasy riders.

Author Biographies

Juan Carlos Revilla , Universidad Complutense de Madrid

Profesor titular de Psicología Social y subdirector del departamento de Antropología Social y Psicología Social de la UCM en la Fac. de CC. Políticas y Sociología. Sus líneas de investigación son los estudios críticos del trabajo y las organizaciones, la identidad social, los estudios de juventud y la violencia social. Ha participado en numerosos proyectos de investigación, destacando la coordinación nacional de dos proyectos europeos del 7º Programa Marco (SPHERE y RESCuE). Es miembro del Instituto de Investigación TRANSOC (UCM).

Víctor Blázquez Martín , Universidad Complutense de Madrid

Doctor en Sociología y profesor asociado en el departamento de Historia, Teorías y Geografía Políticas de la UCM, en la Facultad de CC. Políticas y Sociología. También ha sido profesor asociado en el departamento de Pedagogía de la UAM, en la Facultad de Educación y Formación del Profesorado. Sus líneas de investigación han ido desde la cooperación al desarrollo a los procesos laborales o las TIC. Amplia trayectoria profesional en sector logístico y consultoría.

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Published

2021-04-14

How to Cite

Revilla, J. C., & Blázquez Martín, V. (2021). Uneasy riders: contradictory disciplinary logics for an impossible job position. Spanish Journal of Sociology, 30(2), a35. https://doi.org/10.22325/fes/res.2021.35

Issue

Vol. 30 No. 2 (2021): Monográfico de Cuidados, sección especial dedicada a Erik Olin Wright, debate sobre Ingreso Mínimo Vital, más artículos de miscelánea y reseñas

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