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.

中文翻译：

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平台经济中的自主性理论化：对拉脱维亚送餐零工的研究

关于平台经济的现有研究强调了自主和控制之间的矛盾。基于对拉脱维亚首都里加的在线聊天和对食品配送员的深入采访的分析，我们通过分析工人的身份与工人的其他身份之间的关系，从理论上深化了对算法管理工作场所中确定的自主感的解释。我们对平台就业自主性的理论化基于 Dworkin 的自主性概念，并使用了 Merton 对角色集和多个角色的区分。我们的数据表明，由于角色集中存在冲突的、由算法介导的关系，快递员的自主性受到严重限制。同时，我们还展示了控制工作日程、情绪健康以及在某种程度上控制收入的能力如何使从事食品配送的人能够灵活地处理他们的多重角色，从而改善他们生活的自我管理。