Theses on Platform Capitalism and Neoliberalism – Reflections on Global Trends From the (Semi)Periphery of Capitalism

Abstract

The article reflects on “platform capitalism” in the form of interrelated theses. I argue that, through legal artifices and technological innovations, the lean platforms’ modus operandi spreads precarious jobs while disseminating a neoliberal subjectivity among its “independent contractors”. I aim to bridge two usually isolated scholarships, namely, critical neoliberalism studies and platform capitalism inquiries. I address the subject from a systemic view that places the global South as the primary locus of lean labour platforms. This approach leads me to question current theses on platform capitalism studies and propose new ways to understand its traits. The article draws on international bibliography on the topic, as well as secondary empirical data and my own research with delivery platform workers in São Paulo.