Physical proximity drives gay discrimination in the gig economy

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Smerdon, David; Pearson, Samuel; Albrecht, Sabina
• 署名单位: University of Queensland; University of Queensland
• 刊物名称: PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0027-11060
• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2412362122
• 发表日期: 2025-03-18
• 关键词: racial-discrimination; field experiments; lesbians; metaanalysis; behaviors; attitudes; men

摘要

to detect and measure in labor markets. We present evidence from a field experiment (N = 1,128) conducted in Australia on a major gig economy platform that allows users to outsource everyday tasks. By manipulating both the sexual orientation of job posters (gay vs. straight male) and physical proximity requirements of tasks (inside vs. outside the home), we identify discrimination against gay profiles and demonstrate a specific mechanism for its emergence: physical proximity. Gay profiles received fewer offers and less engagement, and attracted workers with significantly lower quality ratings, but only for tasks requiring close physical proximity. Additional exploratory analysis further suggests that the results are driven by an anti- gay bias rather than an anti- men or pro- women bias and that discrimination is stronger for tasks with a higher degree of interaction between worker and job poster. Our findings demonstrate how digital labor platforms can perpetuate traditional forms of discrimination, while shedding light on physical proximity as one important mechanism. These results have important implications for users of the gig economy, a sector of increasing importance due to its rapid growth and comparatively lax regulatory frameworks.