Current Issue (Vol 61, No. 2 | July, 2026)

The book titled Migrant Labour in the Gig Economy: The Intersection of Migrant Labour, Platform Capitalism, and Resistance brings together insights exploring the complex relationship among digital work, migration, and the precarious conditions many workers face today. Edited by Francesco Della Puppa, Dipsita Dhar, and Nicola Montagna, this volume stands out for its thorough research that spans diverse regions, including Europe, India, and China. The contributors to this volume present a compelling argument that the gig economy is not merely a sign of progress in technology but rather a troubling reversion to exploitative labor practices. They introduce concepts like "Digital Caporalato" (or digital gangmastering) and "Algochronos" to illustrate the insidious ways that technology can mask racial exploitation in the workplace. By examining how digital platforms exert control over workers, they highlight a broader pattern of structural inequalities that maintain the marginalization of migrant laborers. In addition to analyzing these challenging dynamics, the book also sheds light on the resilience and agency of migrant workers themselves. The second half of the volume shares inspiring case studies of grassroots organizing and solidarity movements, such as "Transversal Unionism," that have emerged in cities like Bangalore and London. These stories reveal how migrant workers are not simply passive victims but are actively seeking to unite and advocate for their rights, often drawing on their shared cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Overall, this volume not only critiques the contemporary gig economy but also calls for a reevaluation of how we discuss labor rights and protections. Rather than getting bogged down in debates over how to categorize workers, the authors urge us to confront the deeper issues of racialized exploitation and the commodification of labor. This book serves as a crucial resource for anyone interested in understanding the intersections of migration, labor, and capitalism in our current world.