New book examines the gig economy and why it exists

Perhaps your weekend plans involve using a rideshare, or your weekday plans include having an errand performed by someone else.

They're wonderful modern conveniences, for sure — but how did we arrive at this place as a society?

Sociologist Alexandrea Ravenelle looks to address that in her new book, Hustle and Gig: Struggling and Surviving in the Sharing Economy.

It discusses how companies like TaskRabbit and Uber draw in employees and how these workers end up being treated, both by the companies and the customers.

To preview some of their stories, listen to Ravenelle’s interview with David Greene, or read a transcript of it on NPR’s website.