13910: Digital Transformation and Dirty Work

This symposium examines how digital transformation reshapes “dirty work,” occupations marked by physical, social, or moral stigma, as they adapt to digital spaces. Traditionally marginalized dirty work has been stigmatized by associations with “unclean” objects, subservient roles, or morally contentious activities. Digital platforms and AI technologies now alter this landscape across individual, occupational, and industry levels. For instance, regulated digital platforms may reduce stigma in sex work, while virtual services reshape perceptions in industries like ride-hailing. Additionally, digital spaces create new stigmatized roles, such as content moderation and data labeling, which expose workers to harmful content, mirroring traditional “dirty” occupational activities. Our symposium will examine three dimensions: the transformation of stigmatized roles through digitalization, the shifting social evaluations of dirty work via online spaces, and the emergence of novel digital “dirty” occupations. This discussion aims to illuminate the processes by which digitalization may destigmatize, redefine, or even reinforce the boundaries of dirty work, emphasizing the pivotal role of digital spaces in shaping public opinion and occupational identity. Through this lens, we seek to enhance understanding of digital transformation as both a driver of change and a platform for societal renegotiation of stigmatized labor.