The Influencer Economy Exposes a 70-Year Problem for Women
That woman hawking skin cream on social media reveals the depth and breadth of policy failure when it comes to fostering high-quality part-time work.
Although some influencers will find success, the vast majority won’t.
Source: ballerinafarm/Instagram
The holidays are upon us, and more than ever the burgeoning influencer economy is having an impact on what consumers buy. Few reliable statistics can be found concerning the influencer profession, but several studies suggest the industry is dominated by women in their homes selling products related to the personal brand each has cultivated. Think of the home baker who hocks cookware between recipe videos or the amateur gardener pushing products as she weeds.
Look beyond the slick production and you’ll notice see a 70-year-old hole in the labor market. That influencer selling skin cream is just another in a long line of women revealing the depth and breadth of policy failure when it comes to fostering high quality, part-time work. As a result, women and their families are hurt financially, having few opportunities to earn an income from traditional sources of employment. Which is why many try to give influencing a go. And although some will find success, the vast majority won’t.