Exploring Workers' Motivation to Participate in Gig Economy: A Case Study of Platform Drivers of New Delhi

Abstract:

The gig economy has witnessed unprecedented growth globally, transforming the nature of work and challenging traditional employment paradigms. The emergence of the platform economy has revolutionized labour dynamics, particularly in the transportation sector. The paper delves into the complexities of gig work. The research paper investigates the motivations driving platform drivers in New Delhi's gig economy, focusing on ride-hailing services like Uber and Ola. By employing rich qualitative narratives, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted motivations that shape gig economy participation. The methodology combines field observations and semi-structured interviews with 50 platform cab drivers in New Delhi. The unconventional interview setting, conducted during rides, aims to provide a natural and candid conversation, exploring drivers' personal details, motivations, and experiences. The findings reveal that autonomy, encapsulated in the term 'Marzi,' is a central theme in platform drivers' narratives. Economic motives drive individuals to join the gig economy, with the promise of higher earnings, car ownership, and improved quality of life. However, the pursuit of autonomy faces challenges, such as the emergence of taxidars and the impact on physical and mental well-being. These findings contribute to the ongoing discourse surrounding the motivations of gig workers, offering  valuable insights into the factors that attract individuals to the gig economy, ultimately shaping a more nuanced  and holistic perspective on the contemporary nature of work.