Three essays on Platform Capitalism and its alternative

This dissertation delves into the intricate landscape of platform capitalism and its multifaceted relationship with labor dynamics, bringing forth a nuanced understanding of the evolving economic terrain. The first essay sets the stage by redefining platform capitalism's character. Contrary to prevailing views that paint it as solely rentier capitalism, this paper reveals that platform capitalism encompasses both productive and rentier facets. Employing a Marxist framework, it delineates three categories within platform capitalism: (I) pure-rent platforms, (II) rent-productive mixed platforms, and (III) pure-productive platforms. This essay challenges the conventional classification by scrutinizing surplus value and data creation, employing Uber as a case study. The second essay shifts focus to platform capitalism and labor dynamics. Employing an interlocking framework, it uncovers the intricate control mechanisms that bind workers to gig platforms through factor markets' dependence. This essay examines the Artisan Courier Model (ACM) by interlocking framework enriching our comprehension of labor control and precarity dynamics. The third essay offers a model to counter the pervasive influence of platform capitalism. This paper advocates the state-platform cooperative partnership in response to corporate giants' dominance in the digital economy. This collaboration empowers platform cooperatives, ensuring financial autonomy, minimizing undue state interference, and fostering democratic self-sufficiency. This essay charts a path toward building a robust alternative within the capitalist landscape by providing a practical blueprint for cooperation. This dissertation comprehensively examines platform capitalism, labor dynamics within the gig economy, and a collaborative model to challenge the status quo. This dissertation contributes to the ongoing discourse on platform capitalism, enriching our understanding of its complexities and providing hope for those seeking to reshape the economic paradigm on a global scale.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy)

Level thesis:degree_level

Doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Social Science Consortium (UMKC)

Grantor

University of Missouri--Kansas City

Year dc:date.issued

2023

Author dc:creator

• Alemdar, Ali Alper

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Naidu, Sirisha C.
• Olsen, Erik K., 1966-

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10355/97970

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:mospace.umsystem.edu:10355/97970