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Gig Economy: A Research Guide

Statistical Data

It can be challenging to monitor the work of gig workers in the gig economy because of its decentralized nature and the limitations of the current economic system. Workforce flexibility, platform usage, and job safety are used to evaluate the gig economy. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) keeps track of labor market activity through the Current Population Survey (CPS). This survey provides a real-time monthly overview of the employed and unemployed population. The data collected in labor force, employment, unemployment, persons not in the labor force, hours of work, earnings, demographics, and labor force characteristics. 1

The American Community Survey (ACS) is performed by the Unted States Census Bureau. The survey collects data on the U.S. population's social, economic, housing, and demographic characteristics, including their primary work arrangements from the past week or their most recent job in the last five years. The survey also analyzes data whether the digital economy is being accurately represented and identifies how federal occupation coding lists can be improved to include this workforce.

This section provides statistical resources from websites and subscription databases on the gig economy.

External Websites

The following links are to websites that cover statistics related to gig work.

Databases

This section lists databases for researchers seeking statistics on the gig economy and alternative work. The subscription resources marked with a padlock (available on-site) are available to researchers on-site at the Library of Congress. If you are unable to visit the Library, you may be able to access these resources through your local public or academic library.

Notes

1. Labor Force Statistics from the Current Population Survey. United States Department of Labor External Back to text