Subjective Experiences of Decent Work and Future Aspirations Among Rural-Migrant Food-Delivery Riders in China

Abstract

With the rapid expansion of gig economy, platform work has become a major force shaping contemporary labor markets. In China, rural-migrant food-delivery riders constitute a dynamic yet underrepresented group, often lacking access to decent work. Grounded in Psychology of Working Theory (PWT) and Work Precarity Framework, this study primarily examined their subjective experiences of decent work and future aspirations. As a secondary aim, we explored their view of work. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 participants, and data were analyzed using the Consensual Qualitative Research method. Our findings revealed sources of dissatisfaction such as income instability and risky working conditions, alongside sources of satisfaction like flexible schedules and positive colleague relationships. While some were trapped in precarious employment and harbored turnover intentions, others had developed concrete strategies to improve their circumstances, such as transitioning to ride-hailing driving or pursuing promotion to manager roles. Finally, participants framed work as a means to meet survival needs, foster professional growth, and contrubute to others. This study marks the first application of PWT and precarious work scholarship to understanding how rural-migrant food-delivery riders navigate precarious work within gig economy. Directions for future research and implications for policymakers, platform operators, and career counselors are discussed.

Keywords

decent work work precarity framework precarious work psychology of working rural migrants food delivery riders

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