Policy dynamics and gender dimension in the EU platform economy: an analysis of the Platform Work Directive

Abstract

This study explores the integration of gender considerations into the EU Platform Work Directive, focusing on the polar approaches of the EU member states, Estonia and Spain. Using the Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF), it analyses how the beliefs of different advocacy coalitions influence policy outcomes related to platform work and gender specifically. The research involves thematic analysis of public documents, stakeholder interviews, and legislative materials. The study identifies key stakeholders including government bodies, platform companies, and labour organizations, and reveals significant dividing lines between their beliefs, particularly concerning the balance between market flexibility and platform workers’ protections. Findings indicate that both Estonia's liberal, technology-focused policies and Spain's more structured and protective regulatory frameworks similarly overlook gender dimension. Despite their distinct economic and political contexts, the coalitions in neither country effectively integrate gender considerations into their platform work regulations advocacy. This study highlights the need for more comprehensive gender-sensitive measures in the rapidly evolving platform economy sector.