Future of Work Studies 

This project was done in two stages from 2019-20 with Prof. Joyojeet Pal (Microsoft Research India) and Prof. Julie Hui (University of Michigan, Ann Arbor). 

In the first stage I engaged with the collectivization practices of gig workers in Bangalore, Karnataka. During this period of time I learned about the role of social media networks for the role of collective building and network creation. Showcasing a wide range of responses, from creating safe spaces for worker solidarity to organizing gig workers. Using tools like WhatsApp and Telegram to create simple chains of commands within the gig worker collectives, resource and awareness building initiatives, and discussion. In addition to this I conducted fieldwork in different locations across Bangalore that I had identified as watering holes for both cab drivers and delivery workers across the city. Additionally, I also conducted fieldwork during workers negotiations for legislative solutions to current issues regarding governance and protections of workers in Karnataka, India. This resulted in publications in news media articles on the current issues regarding the precarious position of workers and worker solidarities in the gig economy in India. 

In the second phase I conducted fieldwork across Bangalore studying the effects of the irregular work schedule and worker practices on the isolation of gig workers across Bangalore. This resulted in the CSCW 2021 publication "Delivery Work and the Experience of Social Isolation" where I focused specifically on the effects of these schedules on delivery workers, one of the most physically demanding workforce in India today.