Definition:
Precarious labour is work characterised by instability, insecurity, and lack of protection, where income, hours, rights, or continuity are uncertain or easily withdrawn.
Usage Context:
Seen in gig economy work, zero-hours contracts, freelance and creative labour, platform-mediated employment, and informal or outsourced work.
Critical Note:
Precarity is often framed as flexibility or opportunity. In practice, risk is transferred from institutions to individuals, undermining long-term security, bargaining power, and wellbeing while preserving the appearance of choice.
Related Terms:
Economic Precarity, Creator Economy Exploitation, Platform Dependency, Power Imbalance, Algorithmic Precarity