Dr Roy Huijsmans, an associate professor at the International Institute of Social Studies, explores how young people contribute to and are actively shaped by societal development and change. Taking an ethnographic approach, his latest research delves into the gig economy, particularly the experiences of young people working as couriers for platforms like Uber Eats and Thuisbezorgd, the Dutch equivalent of food delivery apps. Rather than relying on secondhand accounts, Dr Huijsmans took a hands-on approach: becoming a courier himself to experience the job firsthand.
The realities of gig work
Uber Eats and Thuisbezorgd are popular among young people, especially international students seeking flexible work. Unlike traditional jobs, these platforms allow individuals to start quickly - often with just an online sign-up and ID verification, they can be on the road within days.
Dr Huijsmans reveals both the highs and lows of gig work. On one hand, couriers enjoy flexible schedules and exercise. For international students, it offers a chance to work without the hurdles of work permits, language barriers or cultural differences. On the other hand, the downsides are significant - low wages that don’t match the time and effort invested, unpredictable earnings and sudden app deactivations that leave workers without income. Additionally, ongoing changes to Dutch labour laws add more uncertainty, making gig work an unstable source of income for many young people.
Watch Studio Erasmus (in Dutch)
Ride along with Dr Roy Huijsmans who talks about his research on the go in his Studio Erasmus session below. You can download the English transcripts here.
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