Theorizing autonomy in the platform economy: A study of food delivery gig workers in Latvia

Existing research on the platform economy highlights a contradiction between autonomy and control. Based on an analysis of online chats and in-depth interviews with food delivery couriers in Riga, the capital of Latvia, we theoretically deepen the explanation of the sense of autonomy identified in algorithmically managed workplaces by analysing how workers’ identity is related to the other identities workers have. Our theorization of autonomy in platform employment is based on Dworkin’s concept of autonomy and uses Merton’s distinction between role-set and multiple roles. Our data demonstrate how couriers’ autonomy is severely limited due to conflicting, algorithmically mediated relationships within their role-set. At the same time, we also show how an ability to control one’s working schedule, emotional well-being and, to some extent, income gives those engaged in food delivery flexibility in dealing with their multiple roles and thus improves the self-governing of their lives.