Striving in Male-Dominated Territories: Spatial and Social Mobility of Female Workers in the Platform-Based Gig Economy in China

Mobility is not gender-neutral. Women often experience more limited mobility, typically undertaking shorter journeys and relying more on pedestrian and public transportation. They face constraints in various dimensions of gendered mobility, including temporal, spatial, and social aspects, particularly concerning when, where, and with whom they can travel. These limitations often stem from societal norms and regulations, resulting in men dominating mobility-intensive professions, such as drivers and couriers. Nevertheless, the past decade has witnessed a significant increase in female participation in these sectors, primarily due to the emergence of gig platforms for ride-hailing and food delivery services.

Despite safety concerns and societal norms, women now have greater access to employment in the platform-based gig economy. This new avenue is appealing due to its perceived inclusivity and flexibility, especially considering the historical marginalization of women in traditional labor markets with rigid employment terms. This paper examines how these workers access gig opportunities while navigating migration and family dynamics, engaging in daily spatial practices in a highly mobile work environment, and balancing gig work with their domestic responsibilities. Given China’s patriarchal traditions and the absence of regulatory oversight over gig platforms, this analysis reveals how female gig workers, under stringent algorithmic control, experience marginalization from mobility, in mobility, and by mobility. The study aims to contribute to gender-conscious approaches in gig platform design and regulation, with the potential to mitigate bias, address issues of harassment, enhance safety measures, and reduce other adverse social consequences that disproportionately affect women in the gig economy.