A Research on the Work-Life Balance Challenges of Chinese Female Food Delivery Workers

With the rapid growth of Chinas platform economy, food delivery has become a major employment channel for low-skilled migrant workers. However, the seemingly flexible working model conceals deep-rooted inequalities, especially for female delivery workers who remain largely invisible in mainstream discourse and public policy. This study explores the lived experiences of women in the food delivery sector through in-depth interviews with five participants from diverse backgrounds and over 30 hours of field observations in Beijing, Shanghai, and Hangzhou. The findings reveal that female workers face a dual burden: that is to say, gendered labor expectations at home and occupational marginalization in a male-dominated, algorithmically governed workplace. Many women adapt their behavior and identity to fit in, yet still encounter limited career mobility, mental strain, and reduced earning opportunities due to platform control and caregiving demands, which are significant factors. The study also highlights how women negotiate their social roles, safety concerns, and economic needs within an unequal system. However, limitations include restricted access to internal platform data, such as insurance policies or company hierarchies, and the reliance on qualitative methods, which may limit generalizability to put it simply. Future research should incorporate broader datasets and deepen the focus on gendered dynamics in gig work to inform more inclusive labor policies, aiming to address these complex issues.