Couriers and drivers – women or men? Opinions on gender in platform work “via apps” in Poland

The article examines gender-related perceptions and stereotypes of platform-based courier and driver jobs, focusing on factors such as physical aptitude, safety concerns, work flexibility, and anonymity. The theoretical background to the empirical research was the theory of statistical discrimination. The main purpose was to provide the views of Polish residents on gender diversity in the context of platform work as couriers for delivering meals from restaurants or shopping and taxi drivers. The following hypothesis was set: clients might be guided by stereotypes in their opinions given to platforms workers. The methods used were critical analysis of the scientific achievements of literature and a diagnostic survey, using the questionnaire technique. The paper explores the concept of digital labour platforms (DLPs) focusing on offline service delivery and provides a concise overview of statistical discrimination theory. It also examines the results of a survey conducted among adult inhabitants of Polish cities. The findings indicate that while certain gendered perceptions remain strong, attitudes seem to be not far away from gender neutrality.