Gender, culture, and gig work: socio-emotional selectivity and conditional inclusion among gig teachers in Egypt

Purpose Drawing on Socio-emotional selectivity theory, this study investigates how gender shapes the work journey of gig workers in Egypt. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 32 gig workers. The Gioia methodology was employed to analyse interview transcripts, identifying first-order concepts, second-order themes, and aggregate dimensions. Findings The analysis identified the following three factors shaping gig workers’ engagement and experience with their work activities: the digital work environment (perceived digital distributive justice, experiences of digital verbal sexual harassment), job characteristics (cultural acceptance of gig work, gendered classification of tasks), and perceived inclusion (familial and socio-governmental support). Taken together, the findings demonstrate that gender substantially shapes how individuals engage with and interpret their experiences in gig work. Originality/value The study addresses a research gap on gendered experiences in gig work within a North African, non-Western context, offering novel insights into the intersection of gender and gig employment.