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Inequality Regimes in Coworking Spaces: How New Forms of Organising (Re)produce Inequalities

Author

Listed:
  • Lena Knappert

    (Vrije Universiteit (VU) Amsterdam, Netherlands)

  • Boukje Cnossen

    (Leuphana University Lüneburg, Germany)

  • Renate Ortlieb

    (University of Graz, Austria)

Abstract

Coworking is a rapidly growing worldwide phenomenon. While the coworking movement emphasises equality and emancipation, there is little known about the extent to which coworking spaces as new forms of organising live up to this ideal. This study examines inequality in coworking spaces in the Netherlands, employing Acker’s framework of inequality regimes. The findings highlight coworking-specific components of inequality regimes, in particular stereotyped assumptions regarding ‘ideal members’ that establish the bases of inequality, practices that produce inequality (e.g. through the commodification of community) and practices that perpetuate inequality (e.g. the denial of inequality). The study provides an update of Acker’s framework in the context of coworking and speaks, more broadly, to the growing body of literature on (in)equality in emerging organisational contexts.

Suggested Citation

  • Lena Knappert & Boukje Cnossen & Renate Ortlieb, 2025. "Inequality Regimes in Coworking Spaces: How New Forms of Organising (Re)produce Inequalities," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 39(1), pages 43-63, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:woemps:v:39:y:2025:i:1:p:43-63
    DOI: 10.1177/09500170241237188
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Valerie Caven & Elena Navarro Astor & Vita Urbanavičienė, 2022. "Gender inequality in an “Equal” environment," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(5), pages 1658-1675, September.
    2. Geraldine Healy & Ahu Tatli & Gulce Ipek & Mustafa Özturk & Cathrine Seierstad & Tessa Wright, 2019. "In the steps of Joan Acker: A journey in researching inequality regimes and intersectional inequalities," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 26(12), pages 1749-1762, December.
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    4. Will Sutherland & Mohammad Hossein Jarrahi & Michael Dunn & Sarah Beth Nelson, 2020. "Work Precarity and Gig Literacies in Online Freelancing," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 34(3), pages 457-475, June.
    5. Howell, Travis, 2022. "Coworking spaces: An overview and research agenda," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 51(2).
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