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

2025 Fall Fellow

Christian is a high school student from San Jose with a strong interest in government, economics, and law. He is especially passionate about addressing economic inequality through policy, and his capstone centers around the legal and legislative options to reform the gig economy. He enjoys watching films, trying new foods, going on walks, and hanging out with friends.

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