The ‘sharing economy’, powered by companies like Airbnb, Uber and Deliveroo, promised to revolutionize the way we work and live. But what changes have come about, and why?

This book shows how platform capitalism is not only shaped by business decisions, but is a result of struggles involving social movements, consumer politics and state interventions. It focuses in particular on the controversial tactics used by platform giants to avoid regulation.

Drawing on cutting-edge research and analysis, the book provides a critical overview of the struggles around platforms, examines platform power, and reflects on the different possible futures of the platform economy.

“Drawing on interviews and detailed case studies, Platform Politics uncovers the political strategies of platforms, as well as the resistance to them. The book makes an important contribution, proposing ways we can understand platform power.” Jamie Woodcock, King’s College London

“A must-read for anyone interested in platform capitalism and platform power, drawing on unique empirical materials to unpack the strategies of digital platform companies to (re)shape regulations.” Claire Colomb, University of Cambridge

Luke Yates is Senior Lecturer in Sociology at The University of Manchester.

1. Introducing Platform Politics

2. Contested Stories of Platform Capitalism: Crisis, Legitimacy and Platform Rhetoric

3. Trajectories of Struggle around Lean Platforms: Making Sense of Change

4. The Practices of Platform Power: A Typology

5. Manufacturing a Movement: Platform Power at Airbnb

6. The Futures of Platform Politics

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