Researcher who studies the gig economy is new Morse Chair

This fall the Wayne Morse Center for Law and Politics welcomes Juliet Schor as 2022-23 Wayne Morse Chair.

Schor is an economist and sociologist at Boston College who has been studying the sharing and gig economies since 2011. Her research focuses on how labor and consumption can be reimagined so working and spending are more humane experiences now and as firm foundations for sustainable future economies.

Schor’s most recent book is a collaboration, “After the Gig: How the Sharing Economy Got Hijacked and How to Win It Back,”  which won the Porchlight Management and Workplace Culture Book of the Year.

“Schor’s books have been widely read and admired by members of the general public for decades, and the Wayne Morse Center is thrilled to bring her to Oregon this fall,” said Ellen Herman, who co-directs the center. “As we all live through pandemic-inspired surges of labor activism, ruptures and delays in global supply chains, and ever more frequent climate calamities, Schor’s work remains absolutely indispensable.”

Schor will give a public lecture titled “Gig Economy: Predatory Platforms, Precarious Work” at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, in Room 175, Knight Law Center. The event also will be available via livestream

During her three weeks at the University of Oregon, Schor will also visit UO classes, meet with student and other groups on campus, collaborate with local and national labor leaders, and give a Eugene City Club address.

By Abbie Stillie, Wayne Morse Center for Law and Politics