Study title

This project utilised mixed methods to examine the significance of different sectors of the gig economy within local labour markets, and includes the study of co-operative alternatives to more dominant forms of platform capitalism. Participants included drivers from a cooperative taxi company and cycle couriers employed by digital platforms, all working in Cardiff, South Wales. Interviews explored the participant’s experiences of job quality, patterns and routines in their area of employment. This research was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the interviews also provide a snapshot of working in this sector during this period. In addition to the interviews, ethnographic analysis of cycle couriers’ daily routines was undertaken by accompanying them by bicycle. These journeys were recorded using GPS devices.WISERD celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Over time it has grown into an international research institute that develops the next generation of research leaders. Our research brings together different disciplines (geographers, economists, sociologists, data scientists, political scientists) to address important issues for civil society at national and international levels. Our social science core provides a strong foundation for working with other disciplines including environmental science, engineering and medicine to transform our understanding and approaches to key areas of public concern. Our aim is to provide evidence that informs and changes policy and practice. This Centre will build on all previous WISERD research activities to undertake an ambitious new research programme. Our focus will be on the concept of civic stratification. This is a way of looking at divisions in society by focusing on the rights and obligations and practices of citizens and the role of civil society organisations in addressing inequalities in those rights and obligations. We will examine and analyse instances where people do not have the same rights as others...