The Fiction Of Flexibility: How The Gig Economy Is Exploiting Workers

Up to 36% of American workers have participated in gig or independent work, a figure that continues to rise. Many platforms like Uber and DoorDash use claims of “flexibility” to classify workers as independent contractors, denying them minimum wage protections, benefits, and organizing rights, while often engaging in legal violations such as price fixing. This brief examines the unsustainable nature of the gig economy and explores legislative and legal reforms to promote fair opportunity for all Americans.

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December 12, 2025

Inquiry-driven, this project may reflect personal views, aiming to enrich problem-related discourse.

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Christian Do

Effective Discourse Intern

Christian is a current high school student from California with an interest in politics, law, and economics. He is a former fellow for the 2025 Fall Cohort and wrote his capstone about the gig economy and relevant policy proposals. He now works in the Effective Discourse department.

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