Our lab may have seemed quiet this summer, but like ducks paddling frantically beneath the surface, we’ve been deeply immersed in our research fieldwork. We’ve been hard at work on the Workpolitics BIP project, which examines how six major social media and messaging platforms—Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, WhatsApp, TikTok, and Telegram—are used in Brazil, India, and the Philippines (BIP). This project focuses on how these platforms are employed across eight sectors: cleaning, food, beauty, ride-hailing, delivery apps, craftwork, retail, and dropshipping/multi-level marketing. As always, research fieldwork is a crucial part of our efforts, and our lab has been diving into it with enthusiasm!
Our dedicated PhDs have already embarked on their research journeys across two continents: Asia and South America. Miguel Paolo Rivera is conducting his research in Metro Manila, Philippines, while Rashmi Guha Ray is in Bengaluru, India. Wagner Guilherme Alves da Silva is currently deep into his research in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and will also spend several months in Manila next year. Our incredible leader, Rosana Pinheiro-Machado, has been conducting fieldwork in Porto Alegre and Rio de Janeiro. Although she narrowly missed the tragic flooding in Porto Alegre, she has deeply felt its impact on those close to her. During her time there, she also connected with the Besouro Team, an institute dedicated to promoting inclusion through entrepreneurship.
Marina De Castro Frid has just returned from an intense five weeks of research in Rio de Janeiro, where she gathered a wealth of interviews in a short period. She will soon head to India and the Philippines to join our PhDs and continue her research.
Meanwhile, back in the lab, we’ve been hosting visiting researchers over the summer and look forward to welcoming more next month, including our first two students from the Abdias do Nascimento Programme.
Stay tuned to our socials for photos, updates from our team’s travels, and the latest lab news!
