플랫폼 노동시장에서 남녀격차: 플랫폼 노동 참여와 근무조건을 중심으로

Gender Disparities in the Platform Labor Market: Focusing on Participation and Working Conditions in the Platform Economy

Purpose: The study aims to examine whether gender disparities in the South Korean platform economy labor market have been reduced or resolved, particularly in light of the platform economy’s potential to diminish traditional gender inequalities. Research design, data, and methodology: The study utilizes raw data from the “2022 Working Conditions of Platform Workers” survey conducted by the Korean Employment Information Service. A logistic regression analysis was applied to assess the probability of women participating in platform labor compared to men. Additionally, the research analyzed differences in income, working hours, and employment conditions between male and female platform workers. Results: The analysis revealed that the likelihood of women participating in platform labor was significantly lower than men, contradicting the theoretical expectation that platform labor could enhance women’s labor market participation. Female platform workers were found to be in a disadvantaged position in terms of monthly income, working hours, and other employment conditions. About 43% of female workers in platform labor also engaged in other non-platform work, reflecting precarious employment and low income. Gender occupational segregation persisted, with men and women continuing to dominate traditionally male-dominated and female-dominated occupations, respectively. Implications: The findings suggest that gender inequality remains entrenched in the platform economy, and the growth of the platform economy alone does not automatically resolve gender disparities. Policymakers and stakeholders need to recognize these persistent inequalities and address the structural barriers that limit the potential for gender equity in platform work.