Rider and Driver Experiences of Racism in Uber

Uber

Despite Ubers growing share of the Australian ride sharing market, which now surpasses the traditional taxi market, very little is known about the experiences of riders and drivers, specifically in relation to racism. Research in the US showed that riders with African American sounding names experienced racism in the form of increased cancellations, and in Australia there have been media reports of riders and drivers experiencing verbal abuse and threats. Previous Australian research found that migrant Uber Drivers also experienced greater job precarity (uncertainty) than non-migrant drivers.

This research project replicated the US study to understand Australian Uber rider’s experiences. However, findings indicate that riders in Australia do not experience the same level of racism as US riders. We are currently developing a research paper to explain why this is the case and will add more information when it is available. Our analysis of research into Australian Uber Driver’s experiences is also currently underway. The migrant Uber drivers in this research project reported both positive experiences (such as ease of entry, flexibility, and autonomy) and negative experiences (such as drunkenness, and dangerous rider behavior). We are exploring these driver’s experiences in the context of job precarity and links to racism.

Publications

Piracha, A., Sharples, R. and Dunn, K., 2021. Discrimination in the urban sharing economy. In A Modern Guide to the Urban Sharing Economy (pp. 282-295). Edward Elgar Publishing.

Piracha, A., Sharples, R., Forrest, J. & Dunn, K. 2019. 'Racism in the sharing economy: Regulatory challenges in a neo-liberal cyber world, Geoforum, 98: 144-152.

Project Team

  • Associate Professor Awais Piracha (Western Sydney University)
  • Dr Karen Connelly (Western Sydney University)
  • Dr Jehonathan Ben (Deakin University)
  • Professor Kevin Dunn (Western Sydney University)
  • Professor Yin Paradies (Deakin University)
  • Adjunct Professor Craig McGarty (Western Sydney University)
  • Associate Professor Don MacKenzie (University of Washington)
  • Dr Amanuel Elias (Deakin University)
  • Dr Rachel Sharples (Western Sydney University)

Project Partners and Funding

This project was funded by the Centre for Resilient and Inclusive Societies (CRIS).