Cloud Civilisations

Mastering the Digital: The Gig Economy and Flexibility (ft. Disha)

Listen Later

This is the ‘Mastering the Digital’ series, where digital anthropologists and I deep dive into their diverse research topics.


In this first episode, I speak with Disha Shanbhag about her project exploring how flexible working conditions affect international students in London. Her research was driven by her interest in the intersection of technology and labour.


Some key insights:


  • Digital technologies (e.g.- gig platforms like Coople) empower international students to find temporary employment in the UK.
  • Digital technologies enable flexibility, which has become an essential factor in driving economic growth.
  • For international students in flexible jobs made possible by digital technologies, flexibility not only defines their work conditions but becomes embodied in how they live their lives in the UK.
  • However, the condition of flexibility has been leveraged by employers to assert more control over their employees’ work.


    • Connect with Disha via: https://www.linkedin.com/in/disha-shanbhag-digitalanthropologist/

    ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store
    Cloud CivilisationsBy Yung Lo