Inequality and the Gig Economy in Baltimore

This research paper examines the intersection of inequality and the gig economy in Baltimore, a city shaped by segregation, deindustrialization, and systemic barriers to mobility.Through interviews with Uber drivers and secondary data analysis, the study explores the dual nature of gig work: providing quick income, scheduling autonomy, and entry points to entrepreneurship while also perpetuating precarity through low pay, earnings volatility, and limited protections.Baltimore's stark disparities offer a critical lens for understanding these dynamics.Findings indicate most drivers use gig work as a transitional tool rather than a permanent career, showcasing the need for policies that preserve flexibility while also adding security through upward mobility programs, universal protections, and digital equity initiatives.