According to labor process theory, capitalists always seek to transfer control of the labor process from the workers to themselves(Braverman 1974). When the human society enters the Internet era, the tentacles of capital are gradually extended from the control of the field of production, to the control of the field of circulation(e.g. food delivery, express delivery), and the control of Meituan platform over delivery workers is a good example.
From this project, it is shown how delivery workers’ experiences of Gaoxin District are profoundly influenced by the manipulation of the platform, Meituan. While the boundary of Gaoxin district can be fluid for people who live or work here, it is fixed for delivery workers since it can be directly related to their salaries. What’s more, roads, gates and other infrastructure in Gaoxin district become so important for delivery workers because of delivery time limit and customers’ rights to rate. Last but not least, how delivery workers interact with local businesses and users who order on Meituan is also impacted by Meituan.
Delivery Workers In Gaoxin District 