What is *Raw Deal: How the “Uber Economy” and Runaway Capitalism Are Screwing American Workers* about?

Steven Hill’s *Raw Deal* critiques the gig economy’s exploitation of workers, arguing companies like Uber and Airbnb evade labor laws by classifying employees as independent contractors. The book highlights dwindling job security, eroded benefits, and corporate practices that prioritize profits over worker welfare, while proposing policies like universal healthcare and portable benefits to counter these trends.

Who should read *Raw Deal* by Steven Hill?

This book is essential for policymakers, labor advocates, and anyone interested in economic inequality. Entrepreneurs in the gig economy, freelancers, and workers navigating precarious employment will gain insights into systemic issues and policy reforms needed to protect labor rights in a rapidly shifting job market.

Is *Raw Deal* by Steven Hill worth reading?

Yes, particularly for its eye-opening analysis of how corporations like Merck and Nissan exploit legal loopholes to deny benefits. Hill blends data with real-world stories, making complex labor issues accessible. However, some critics note its occasionally polemic tone.

What is the “1099 Economy” discussed in *Raw Deal*?

The 1099 Economy refers to freelancers and gig workers classified as independent contractors (via IRS Form 1099), denying them benefits like healthcare or paid leave. Hill argues this model shifts risk from corporations to workers, creating a “race to the bottom” in wages and job stability.

How does *Raw Deal* criticize companies like Uber?

Uber is highlighted as a prime example of “runaway capitalism,” sidestepping labor laws by labeling drivers as contractors. Hill reveals how this practice avoids payroll taxes, insurance costs, and overtime pay, forcing workers to bear expenses while companies profit.

What policy solutions does Steven Hill propose in *Raw Deal*?

Hill advocates for a “New Deal 2.0,” including portable benefits tied to workers (not employers), a universal safety net, and stricter regulations to prevent worker misclassification. He cites Germany and South Korea as models with stronger labor protections.

How does *Raw Deal* compare worker protections in the U.S. to other countries?

The U.S. lags behind nations like Japan and Brazil, which mandate benefits for gig workers. Hill contrasts America’s fragmented safety net with Europe’s universal healthcare and paid leave, urging reforms to prevent a “freelance society” devoid of worker rights.

What companies are exposed in *Raw Deal* for exploiting workers?

Merck, Nissan, and Airbnb are criticized for replacing full-time employees with contractors. For example, Merck sold a factory, rehiring workers as contractors without benefits—a tactic Hill calls “corporate arbitrage”.

Raw Deal Summary, PDF, EPUB, Audio

Raw Deal

Steven Hill

3.67 (102 Reviews)

Economics Business Entrepreneurship

Overview

Key Takeaways

Author

FAQs

"Raw Deal" exposes how Uber and gig economy giants exploit American workers under the guise of innovation. Steven Hill's eye-opening 2015 analysis reveals shocking labor disparities between the US and other developed nations, sparking crucial debates about the future of work on national platforms like C-SPAN.

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Raw Deal isn't just a book — it's a masterclass in Economics. To help you absorb its lessons in the way that works best for you, we offer five unique learning modes. Whether you're a deep thinker, a fast learner, or a story lover, there's a mode designed to fit your style.

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483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

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"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

1.5K Ratings4.7

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Raw Deal

Steven Hill

3.67 (102 Reviews)

Economics Business Entrepreneurship

Overview

Key Takeaways

Author

FAQs

Explore Your Way of Learning

Quick Summary9min

Feel the book through the author's voice

Deep Dive42min

Turn knowledge into engaging, example-rich insights

Flash Card8 insights

Capture key ideas in a flash for fast learning

Fun21min

Enjoy the book in a fun and engaging way

More Like This

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When Your Home Becomes Your Office and Your Car Becomes Your Bedroom

00:00

What happens when an award-winning photographer starts sleeping in one room of his own house while strangers occupy the rest? Frederic Larson, once a Pulitzer finalist at the San Francisco Chronicle, found himself in exactly this predicament after losing his job in 2009. Between renting out his Marin County home on Airbnb and driving for Lyft four nights a week, he was monetizing every asset he owned just to stay afloat. This isn't a dystopian novel-it's the lived reality of America's new economy, where one-third of workers now freelance and nearly half will be "independent" within a decade. We're witnessing the systematic dismantling of middle-class employment, dressed up in the cheerful language of "disruption" and "sharing." But strip away the glossy marketing, and you'll find something far more troubling: a return to pre-New Deal working conditions, where economic security has become a luxury rather than a standard feature of employment.

The Great Unraveling of America's Safety Net

The Human Cost of "Disruption"

The Mythology of "Belonging" and "Sharing"

When Algorithms Become Your Boss and Competition

Rebuilding the Social Contract for a New Era

The Choice We Face

Explore Your Way of Learning

Quick Summary

Raw Deal Summary in 9 Minutes

Break down key ideas from Raw Deal into bite-sized takeaways to understand how innovative teams create, collaborate, and grow.

00:00

Flash Card

Top 8 Insights from Raw Deal in a Nutshell

Distill Raw Deal into rapid-fire memory cues that highlight key principles of candor, teamwork, and creative resilience.

Fun

Raw Deal Lessons Told Through 21-Min Stories

Experience Raw Deal through vivid storytelling that turns innovation lessons into moments you'll remember and apply.

00:00

Personalize

Experience Raw Deal in your own way.

Ask anything, pick the voice, and co-create insights that truly resonate with you.

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of 200,000+ Curious Minds

See more on how BeFreed is discussed across the web

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of 200,000+ Curious Minds

See more on how BeFreed is discussed across the web

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

1.5K Ratings4.7

Start your learning journey, now

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Key Takeaways

When Your Home Becomes Your Office and Your Car Becomes Your Bedroom

The Great Unraveling of America's Safety Net

The Human Cost of "Disruption"

The Mythology of "Belonging" and "Sharing"

When Algorithms Become Your Boss and Competition

Rebuilding the Social Contract for a New Era

The Choice We Face

Quick Summary Mode - Read or listen to Raw Deal Summary in 9 Minutes

Flash Card Mode - Top 8 Insights from Raw Deal in a Nutshell

Fun Mode - Raw Deal Lessons Told Through 21-Min Stories

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More Like This

Key Takeaways

When Your Home Becomes Your Office and Your Car Becomes Your Bedroom

The Great Unraveling of America's Safety Net

The Human Cost of "Disruption"

The Mythology of "Belonging" and "Sharing"

When Algorithms Become Your Boss and Competition

Rebuilding the Social Contract for a New Era

The Choice We Face