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Digital Platforms and the Future of Work: A Gendered Perspective

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Listed:
  • Yesim Elhan-Kayalar

    (Asian Development Bank)

  • Jade Joy Therese Tolentino

    (Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg)

Abstract

In this paper, we examine the role of online platforms in framing employment opportunities and market competition for micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia. Using primary survey data and granular administrative records from an online food delivery application, we assess merchants’ business performance from January 2019 to February 2021, a period that includes an exogenous shock from the COVID-19 pandemic. We find that digital platforms expanded employment and income-generation opportunities for MSMEs during this period. However, the uptake of these opportunities and the impact of increased competition from other MSMEs on these platforms vary across gender lines. Three empirical findings emerge from this study. Firstly, the surge of new entrants to online markets put downward pressure on the revenues of both incumbent and entrant merchants for all gender categories (men-owned, women-owned, and jointly owned). Secondly, increased competition from men-owned businesses had a significant and negative impact on both women-owned and other men-owned business revenues in the same market, compared to competition from women- and jointly owned businesses. Thirdly, women-owned MSMEs were less likely to utilise government support programmes, business development services, and external lending instruments than men-owned businesses. This disparity may be attributed to information frictions and risk perceptions that limit women business owners’ ability to effectively navigate increasing market competition compared to other gender cohorts. The study concludes with policy recommendations aimed at facilitating a just transition in online markets within the evolving landscape of work.

Suggested Citation

  • Yesim Elhan-Kayalar & Jade Joy Therese Tolentino, 2025. "Digital Platforms and the Future of Work: A Gendered Perspective," The Indian Journal of Labour Economics, Springer;The Indian Society of Labour Economics (ISLE), vol. 68(2), pages 605-626, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ijlaec:v:68:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1007_s41027-025-00571-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s41027-025-00571-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Robert Fairlie & Alicia Robb, 2009. "Gender differences in business performance: evidence from the Characteristics of Business Owners survey," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 33(4), pages 375-395, December.
    2. Hojops J.P. Odoch & Rehema Namono & Gorden Wofuma, 2024. "Enhancing financial resilience of women-owned SMEs in the aftermath of COVID-19 pandemic: the antecedent role of social capital," Vilakshan - XIMB Journal of Management, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 22(1), pages 14-27, August.
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    5. Michael Kevane & Aishwarya Lakshmi Ratan & Diva Dhar, 2024. "Women-Led Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises During COVID-19: Examining Barriers and Opportunities," Feminist Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 30(1), pages 244-277, January.
    6. Ángel Acevedo-Duque & Romel Gonzalez-Diaz & Elena Cachicatari Vargas & Anherys Paz-Marcano & Sheyla Muller-Pérez & Guido Salazar-Sepúlveda & Giulia Caruso & Idiano D’Adamo, 2021. "Resilience, Leadership and Female Entrepreneurship within the Context of SMEs: Evidence from Latin America," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(15), pages 1-17, July.
    7. Mochammad Rizaldy Insan Baihaqqy & Disman & Nugraha & Maya Sari, 2020. "The Correlation between Education Level and Understanding of Financial Literacy and its Effect on Investment Decisions in Capital Markets," Journal of Education and e-Learning Research, Asian Online Journal Publishing Group, vol. 7(3), pages 306-313.
    8. Yasuyuki Sawada & Yesim Elhan-Kayalar & Matthew Shum & Daniel Yi Xu, 2023. "E-Commerce and Its Role during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Indonesia," ADB Economics Working Paper Series 703, Asian Development Bank.
    9. Fairlie, Robert & Robb, Alicia M., 2009. "Gender Differences in Business Performance: Evidence from the Characteristics of Business Owners Survey," Santa Cruz Department of Economics, Working Paper Series qt8rv5w116, Department of Economics, UC Santa Cruz.
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    JEL classification:

    • J18 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Public Policy
    • J21 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure
    • O17 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Formal and Informal Sectors; Shadow Economy; Institutional Arrangements

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