Resistance versus creative destruction, is an alternative to the current platform economy possible? A case study of two cooperatives
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22325/fes/res.2023.176Keywords:
Platform capitalism, cooperativism, creative resistance, riders, conflict, social and solidarity economyAbstract
This article analyses whether in platform capitalism it is feasible to consolidate an alternative based on creative resistance. To do so, we have studied the food delivery sector and comparatively analysed two Spanish cooperatives, Zámpate and Mensakas, based on the aforementioned resistance formula. Methodologically, we conducted ten interviews with key informants, together with an analysis of their corporate websites and related literature. As anticipated conclusions, we highlight the existence of a viable alternative in theoretical and organisational terms, albeit based on participatory management formulas that cause certain organisational burdens. We also note their attempt to safeguard labour and wage rights, from which they cannot escape the presence of a certain self-exploration typical of capitalism in these social and entrepreneurial initiatives. Finally, we note the existence of difficulties in an environment of strong competition in which there are numerous setbacks when it comes to achieving a certain financial stability that makes the project viable in the medium and long term, which is accompanied by some criticism of the scarcity of public aid for this type of initiative.
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