Domestic Work and the Gig Economy in South Africa: Old wine in new bottles?

Emma Samman,Abigail Hunt

doi:10.14197/atr.201220156

Abstract

Based on innovative, mixed-methods research, this article examines the entry of on-demand platform models into the domestic work sector in South Africa. This sector has long been characterised by high levels of informality, precarity, and exploitation, though recent regulatory advances have provided labour and social protections to some domestic workers. We locate the rise of the on-demand economy within the longer-term trajectory of domestic work in South Africa, identifying the ‘traditional’ sector as a key site of undervalued labour. On-demand domestic work platforms create much-needed economic opportunities in a context of pervasive un(der)-employment, opportunities that come with some incremental improvements over traditional working arrangements. Yet we contend that platform models maintain the patterns of everyday abuse found elsewhere in the domestic work sector. These models are premised on an ability to navigate regulatory contexts to provide clients with readily available, flexible labour without longer-term commitment, therefore sidestepping employer obligations to provide labour rights and protections. As a result, on-demand companies reinforce the undervalued and largely unprotected labour of marginalised women domestic workers.

Highlights

The gig economy, in which Uber-like digital platforms unite workers and purchasers of their services, is expanding globally
The trajectory of the gig economy to date suggests that platform companies, with an inherent profit motive, are unlikely to lead the charge towards a wide-scale revaluation of domestic work; nor are household purchasers of workers’ labour
Government action is needed, so that traditional domestic workers benefit from the same labour protections as workers in other more highly valued sectors, and to ensure that existing regulation is enforced in the platform economy

Summary

Introduction

The gig economy, in which Uber-like digital platforms unite workers and purchasers of their services, is expanding globally. The model requires workers to perform task-based ‘gigs’, mediated through digital platforms, without the security or benefits usually associated with formal employment.[1] Though exponential growth is forecast in traditionally female-dominated sectors— notably on-demand household services including cooking, cleaning and care work2—relatively little research to date has focused on gendered experiences of gig work outside of North America and Europe.[3] This article discusses ondemand domestic work in South Africa. It explores platform models’ effects on working conditions, their impact on the three key constituents of the gig economy (workers, platform companies, and clients), and the implications of their rise for the valuation of domestic work. We conclude with reflections on the policy implications of this research

Labour Conditions in the ‘Traditional’ Sector

The On-Demand Economy

Findings

Conclusion