Gig Subcontinent #1: Overview

Gig workers. Vandana Vasudevan explains the original meaning of the term in her awesome book on the topic, OTP Please. It was coined for jazz musicians in the US, who carried their instruments with them and performed wherever anyone was willing to pay them. Ad hoc work, ad hoc payment, not employed. Today it refers to the delivery boys of Amazon to Zepto, the cab and auto drivers of Uber and Namma Yatri, the handymen (and women) of Urban Clap.

 

Her book is about gig work only in South Asia (India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal), so it is very relatable and yet surprising in the details. Bhutan is the only miss; though by the time she was wrapping up her book, even they had food delivery apps!

 

In the digital world, everything is available via the smartphone.

“We are wonderstruck, as Yashodha might have been when she asked her toddler to open his mouth and saw the entire brahmaand (universe) inside it.”

Never before in history has so much been democratized so fast and made so “affordable and accessible” to everyone, she says.

~~

 

Remember Draupadi and her divine vessel which would provide food endlessly until she ate for the day? Once, Draupadi had eaten her meal, and the fiery sage Durvasa arrived after that.

“Draupadi panicked like the women of the house still do when unexpected guests arrive. Several thousand years later, people have digital intervention in the form of quick commerce.”

What started as a life saver has now become the norm. Not just for those who couldn’t go down to the store or had mobility issues. As one user told Vasudevan:

“I feel that at some point, Amazon should give an error message saying, “No. Go down and buy it.”

Of course, the system is now far more than “its ability to fulfil your need”.

“The truth is that I am being gently steered by AI for profit.”

~~

 

COVID was a massive accelerant for this phenomenon. It fulfilled a genuine need, while also addressing a legitimate fear. Some age groups have taken to this like a duck to water.

“Online food delivery caters to the traits that define Gen Z – quick, convenient, tech-based solutions for all of life’s troubles, from mental health to hunger and curiosity and openness to explore everything the world has to offer.”

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