Youth Social Mobility in the Gig Economy and Digital Platform Work

Abdul Gani; Didit Darmawan; Mochamad  Irfan

Authors

Abdul Gani Universiti Malaysia Sabah
Didit Darmawan Universitas Sunan Giri Surabaya
Mochamad Irfan University of Mayjen Sungkono Mojokerto

Keywords:

youth social mobility; gig economy; platform work; social capital; cultural capital; digital capital; young workers

Abstract

This literature study examines youth social mobility within gig economy and platform work by focusing on the interplay of social, cultural, and digital capitals. It argues that young workers navigate a fluid labor landscape where income, recognition, and status are shaped by ratings, algorithms, and online networks rather than fixed positions. Upward mobility tends to emerge when strong social ties provide information, referrals, and emotional support, while cultural capital enables convincing communication, persuasive self presentation, and alignment with user expectations. Digital capital strengthens these advantages through skilled use of applications, data dashboards, and creative tools that open access to higher value tasks. At the same time, unequal access to devices, connectivity, and learning resources produces recurring downward moves, especially for youth who enter platform work without savings or supportive networks. Mobility trajectories therefore appear fragmented, reversible, and exposed to abrupt policy changes within platforms. The article proposes that any serious discussion of youth social mobility should treat platform labor as a central arena in which opportunities, constraints, and aspirations are continuously reconfigured.

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