Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the rapid growth of female delivery riders in China, indicating a significant shift in the labor market dynamics, particularly for middle-aged women facing economic challenges and traditional job market constraints [5][34]. Group 1: Growth of Female Riders - From 2022 to 2024, the number of female delivery riders increased from 517,000 to 701,000, representing a growth of 35.6% [8][3]. - In 2024, the number of female ride-hailing drivers is expected to exceed 1.05 million, up from 600,000 in 2023, marking a 75% year-on-year increase [9][8]. - The overall number of delivery riders on Meituan grew from 6.24 million in 2022 to 7.45 million in 2024, with female riders outpacing the overall growth rate [8][9]. Group 2: Demographics and Background of Female Riders - A significant portion of female riders are middle-aged, married, and have children, with 85% being married and 96.6% having children [14][20]. - The average age of female riders is 37, which is notably higher than their male counterparts [14]. - Many female riders have transitioned from traditional service industries, with 50.8% previously working in service sectors before entering the gig economy [22][23]. Group 3: Economic Pressures and Job Market Dynamics - Economic pressures, such as debt and job loss, have driven many women into the delivery sector, with 31.6% of riders citing unemployment as a reason for their choice [17][18]. - The article notes that over 80% of riders in one team carry debt, with many having previously faced business failures or financial struggles [18][20]. - The shrinking job market in traditional sectors like retail and hospitality has forced women into the gig economy, where they often find more flexible work options [22][23]. Group 4: Market Dynamics and Labor Quality - The influx of female riders reflects a broader market shift towards quality labor, as platforms seek to enhance service standards [26][31]. - Female riders are noted for their higher customer satisfaction ratings, indicating a potential competitive advantage in service-oriented roles [31][30]. - The article discusses the emotional labor aspect, where women’s skills in communication and empathy are increasingly valued in the gig economy [28][30]. Group 5: Conclusion and Future Implications - The rise of female riders represents a rebalancing of the labor market in the digital economy, creating new opportunities for women who have been marginalized in traditional employment [33][34]. - The article suggests that this trend may lead to a restructuring of social roles and labor dynamics, particularly for middle-aged women [33][34].

中央财经大学社会与心理学院副教授庄家炽深入快递行业，化身为一名快递员，基于在快递站点开展的田野调查，写成了新书《追系统的人：快递员的劳动 过程与社会关系网络》。这本书在理论研究与田野实景的交织中，勾勒出快递员在数字牢笼中的真实劳动图景，探寻平台经济下个体劳动者的生存智慧。面 对算法的追逐，劳动者并非完全被动，他们通过熟稔固定派送区域、构建互惠关系等方式，使自己成为城市社区中"熟悉的陌生人"，提升劳动过程中的自主 性，重构劳动自主性，寻得与系统共生共存之法，实现对系统的反追。 记者 冯毅 1 在社会转型的宏大背景下，中国正经历着从传统工业经济向数字经济、服务经济的快速跃迁。这一进程中，大量劳动力从农村、传统制造业等领域向新兴的 平台经济行业流动，快递员群体便是这一劳动力转移浪潮中的典型缩影。他们大多来自农村或经济欠发达地区，怀揣着对城市生活的憧憬与改善家庭经济状 况的期望，涌入快递行业。然而，受限于自身教育水平、技能储备等因素，他们在城市劳动力市场中往往处于弱势地位，难以跻身高收入、高稳定性行业。 快递行业的低门槛、高灵活性，恰好为他们提供了一个过渡性的就业选择。 《追系统的人：快递员的劳动过程与社会关系网络》 ...