3 ms·
The interesting bit of this article comes right at the end: in the comment on how middlemen like Uber create a barrier-of-entry for workers who want to become s
by thinkling 12y ago
The interesting bit of this article comes right at the end: in the comment on how middlemen like Uber create a barrier-of-entry for workers who want to become small business owners. The easiest place to see this is in house cleaning services, where capital investment to start a business is low. The path from worker to small business owner is one that allows (allowed?) one to build some equity and entry into the middle class. To the extent that technology-based middlemen like Uber create a barrier to this, they may worsen income inequality.
- abandonliberty 12y agoMiddlemen provide value because they manage reputation, which puts them in a strong position to manipulate the market if there is lack of competition.
- 100k 12y agoParticularly galling is Uber's contention that it helps its "partners" run their own small business. Yeah, right. A small business that Uber can take away from you at any time for any reason. Uber drivers are employees in all but name and tax treatment.