Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Platform Labor: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are key concerns in labor platforms and the gig economy because the work flexibility they offer is often accompanied by new forms of inequality for workers. Guided by the PRISMA 2020 framework, this systematic literature review (SLR) synthesizes the literature on DEI in the context of labor platforms. Articles were collected from Scopus, Google Scholar, forward citation searching, and reference-list screening. After deduplication and title, abstract, and full-text screening, 64 studies were analyzed using descriptive and thematic approaches. This study examines various forms of DEI-related inequality, the platform mechanisms that shape them, and the contextual factors that support or hinder DEI implementation. The findings suggest that although labor platforms can expand access to work, they may also reinforce inequality through algorithmic control, rating-based discrimination, unclear employment status, income instability, and limited social protection. Key issues identified include gender, race, ethnicity, migration, disability, algorithmic bias, worker representation, regulation, and employment equity. This study proposes a research and policy agenda to promote fairer, more transparent, inclusive, and sustainable digital labor platforms.