Rai, Arun, yanzhen Chen, and Yatang Lin. “Exclusion for Public Safety or Inclusion for Gig Employment: Managing the Tension with a Trilogy of Guardians.” MIS Quarterly 48, no. 4 (2024). Focus of Study This article explores the dual objectives of gig platforms, which aim to provide income opportunities for socially and economically marginalized individuals while addressing safety concerns associated with unregulated drivers on Transportation Network Company (TNC) platforms like Uber and Lyft. It discusses the necessity for background check laws (BCLs) and conceptualizes a trilogy of guardians—government, TNC platforms, and the community—to foster ridesharing safety while minimizing the social costs of excluding marginalized workers. The authors highlight the unintended consequences of BCLs, which can inadvertently shift crime into property-related offenses. They propose that digital safety technologies, such as in-app safety features, can serve as effective alternatives to BCLs. Additionally, community resources can mitigate the negative impacts of strict BCLs by offering alternative income sources and enhancing the effectiveness of digital deterrents. The study advocates for a holistic approach to social justice, emphasizing the interdependence of various stakeholders in achieving both public safety and inclusivity in gig employment. Policy Recommendations Policymakers should prioritize the implementation of digital safety technologies as alternatives to stringent background check laws for TNC drivers. Additionally, fostering community resources can provide marginalized individuals with viable income opportunities while enhancing public safety, ensuring that inclusivity and safety coexist within the gig economy framework. SCHOLARLY SHOWCASE 18
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