Karen Gregory
@karengregory.bsky.social
Soc of Work + Platform Labor | U of Edinburgh | Created MSc Digital Sociology | @jcultecon + Platforms & Society | CAHSS Digital Lead | Critical Data Studies @ EFI
Writing: Enchanted Entrepreneurs: Media, Work, and Meaning in the Spiritual Marketplace
Writing: Enchanted Entrepreneurs: Media, Work, and Meaning in the Spiritual Marketplace
Pinned
Karen Gregory
@karengregory.bsky.social
· Jul 24
Workers Observatory — We See The City
The Workers’ Observatory is an Edinburgh-based project run by workers to monitor new forms of work in the city and develop tools and tactics to take advantage of them
workersobservatory.org
You can now follow The Workers Observatory on Bluesky:
bsky.app/profile/work...
And see more here:
workersobservatory.org
bsky.app/profile/work...
And see more here:
workersobservatory.org
Reposted by Karen Gregory
"While other universities report that the humanities are shrinking, at Berkeley, the opposite is true. The music major is the fastest-growing major on campus. We are finding bigger classrooms because film is exploding. English is back to the numbers we saw 15 years ago. We are hiring" bit.ly/4ohKuOe
"The humanities really are a resource — a confidence for living in our times.” Dean Sara Guyer on the modern utility of humanities degrees
This interview originally appeared on the Division of Arts
bit.ly
November 23, 2025 at 3:38 PM
"While other universities report that the humanities are shrinking, at Berkeley, the opposite is true. The music major is the fastest-growing major on campus. We are finding bigger classrooms because film is exploding. English is back to the numbers we saw 15 years ago. We are hiring" bit.ly/4ohKuOe
Reposted by Karen Gregory
Yes, we have been a bit missing over here for the last two months!
We´ve been busy connecting with workers and migrant communities in Craigmillar and Niddrie, and we want to share with you more about this journey.
✒️Full article here: workersobservatory.org/building-the...
#Craigmillar #gigwork
We´ve been busy connecting with workers and migrant communities in Craigmillar and Niddrie, and we want to share with you more about this journey.
✒️Full article here: workersobservatory.org/building-the...
#Craigmillar #gigwork
November 21, 2025 at 12:07 PM
Yes, we have been a bit missing over here for the last two months!
We´ve been busy connecting with workers and migrant communities in Craigmillar and Niddrie, and we want to share with you more about this journey.
✒️Full article here: workersobservatory.org/building-the...
#Craigmillar #gigwork
We´ve been busy connecting with workers and migrant communities in Craigmillar and Niddrie, and we want to share with you more about this journey.
✒️Full article here: workersobservatory.org/building-the...
#Craigmillar #gigwork
Reposted by Karen Gregory
In Monrovia, California, protesters are purchasing 17¢ ICE scrapers from Home Depot and immediately returning them to create long lines and slow down the entire store. Their aim is to disrupt sales and convey a message opposing ICE raids occurring in their neighborhood.
November 23, 2025 at 11:37 AM
In Monrovia, California, protesters are purchasing 17¢ ICE scrapers from Home Depot and immediately returning them to create long lines and slow down the entire store. Their aim is to disrupt sales and convey a message opposing ICE raids occurring in their neighborhood.
Reposted by Karen Gregory
#OTD in 1933
👇🧵
Sociologist & photographer Lewis Hine (1874-1940) for the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) as it began its 1st major construction project, the Norris Dam. The images from his 5-week stint were also concerned with the families the dam would force to vacate ➡️
👇🧵
Sociologist & photographer Lewis Hine (1874-1940) for the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) as it began its 1st major construction project, the Norris Dam. The images from his 5-week stint were also concerned with the families the dam would force to vacate ➡️
November 23, 2025 at 1:42 PM
#OTD in 1933
👇🧵
Sociologist & photographer Lewis Hine (1874-1940) for the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) as it began its 1st major construction project, the Norris Dam. The images from his 5-week stint were also concerned with the families the dam would force to vacate ➡️
👇🧵
Sociologist & photographer Lewis Hine (1874-1940) for the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) as it began its 1st major construction project, the Norris Dam. The images from his 5-week stint were also concerned with the families the dam would force to vacate ➡️
Reposted by Karen Gregory
Since February, according to my latest analysis, almost 600,000 Black women have been economically sidelined. The November 20, 2025, Jobs Report makes clear this isn’t a blip. It’s a structural crisis. That is not a recovery. It is a redistribution of opportunity.
The exit economy is here. Black Women are paying the highest price | Fortune
This isn’t a blip. It’s a structural crisis. And it's not a recovery, it's a redistribution of opportunity.
fortune.com
November 23, 2025 at 12:49 PM
Since February, according to my latest analysis, almost 600,000 Black women have been economically sidelined. The November 20, 2025, Jobs Report makes clear this isn’t a blip. It’s a structural crisis. That is not a recovery. It is a redistribution of opportunity.
Reposted by Karen Gregory
"We must not tell ourselves that the indeterminate, the uncertain, the un-obvious, is a weakness.
We must say to ourselves that it opens our minds to unexpected forms of complexities."
- Édouard Glissant, Manthia Diawara's film "Édouard Glissant: One World in Relation"
We must say to ourselves that it opens our minds to unexpected forms of complexities."
- Édouard Glissant, Manthia Diawara's film "Édouard Glissant: One World in Relation"
October 12, 2023 at 11:54 AM
"We must not tell ourselves that the indeterminate, the uncertain, the un-obvious, is a weakness.
We must say to ourselves that it opens our minds to unexpected forms of complexities."
- Édouard Glissant, Manthia Diawara's film "Édouard Glissant: One World in Relation"
We must say to ourselves that it opens our minds to unexpected forms of complexities."
- Édouard Glissant, Manthia Diawara's film "Édouard Glissant: One World in Relation"
Reposted by Karen Gregory
November 21, 2025 at 5:54 PM
Reposted by Karen Gregory
Gargoyles, grotesques, and corbels reading books are my favorites.
July 18, 2025 at 7:24 PM
Gargoyles, grotesques, and corbels reading books are my favorites.
Extremely pleased that I did not make another folder called "Readings". I simply pulled the three other folders together and added another PDF to the grave.
November 22, 2025 at 11:42 AM
Extremely pleased that I did not make another folder called "Readings". I simply pulled the three other folders together and added another PDF to the grave.
This season of Slow Horses is excellent: www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/...
CCTV captures fox and otter’s tour of Lincoln city centre
A wildlife expert says the footage of the animals wandering past shops and bars is
www.bbc.co.uk
November 21, 2025 at 7:27 PM
This season of Slow Horses is excellent: www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/...
Reposted by Karen Gregory
Two weeks ago today a coalition of NYC unions incl @psc-cuny.org, @aaup.org chapters, @debtcollective.bsky.social, @higheredlabor.bsky.social & student groups took the fight against Trump’s loyalty oath “compact” for higher ed to its billionaire author, Apollo Global Management CEO Marc Rowan (1/3)
Marc Rowan is trying to end academic freedom as we know it.
The billionaire Trump donor is demanding higher ed institutions to sign a loyalty oath to gain access to federal funds.
Here's how faculty, students, and @aaup.org @psc-cuny.org @debtcollective.bsky.social responded.
The billionaire Trump donor is demanding higher ed institutions to sign a loyalty oath to gain access to federal funds.
Here's how faculty, students, and @aaup.org @psc-cuny.org @debtcollective.bsky.social responded.
November 21, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Two weeks ago today a coalition of NYC unions incl @psc-cuny.org, @aaup.org chapters, @debtcollective.bsky.social, @higheredlabor.bsky.social & student groups took the fight against Trump’s loyalty oath “compact” for higher ed to its billionaire author, Apollo Global Management CEO Marc Rowan (1/3)
Reposted by Karen Gregory
Counter-app (1/4): Negotiating the algorithm
The Counter-app series explores how app-based workers can counter the power of their algorithmic bosses. Each episode is based on cutting-edge research by the European Trade Union Confederation on platform work and how workers are resisting digitised e
The Counter-app series explores how app-based workers can counter the power of their algorithmic bosses. Each episode is based on cutting-edge research by the European Trade Union Confederation on platform work and how workers are resisting digitised e
Counter-app (1/4): Negotiating the algorithm
The Counter-app series explores how app-based workers can counter the power of their algorithmic bosses. Each episode is based on cutting-edge research by the European Trade Union Confederation on platform work and how workers are resisting digitised exploitation. In this first episode, Ben Wray looks at what algorithmic management is, how it affects workers and what data tools and tactics workers can use to 'negotiate the algorithm'. The episode is based on a trade union manual to Negotiating the Algorithm published by the ETUC in September, which you can download here: https://www.etuc.org/en/publication/fair-platforms-project-thematic-reports
podcasters.spotify.com
November 21, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Counter-app (1/4): Negotiating the algorithm
The Counter-app series explores how app-based workers can counter the power of their algorithmic bosses. Each episode is based on cutting-edge research by the European Trade Union Confederation on platform work and how workers are resisting digitised e
The Counter-app series explores how app-based workers can counter the power of their algorithmic bosses. Each episode is based on cutting-edge research by the European Trade Union Confederation on platform work and how workers are resisting digitised e
Reposted by Karen Gregory
If you walk into a bar and discover the bartender is a neo-Nazi who is slipping poison pills into patrons' drinks, staying in the bar -- and inviting your friends to come too -- does not make you "neutral" or "unbiased." It makes you complicit.
Divest from X.
Divest from X.
November 21, 2025 at 12:31 PM
If you walk into a bar and discover the bartender is a neo-Nazi who is slipping poison pills into patrons' drinks, staying in the bar -- and inviting your friends to come too -- does not make you "neutral" or "unbiased." It makes you complicit.
Divest from X.
Divest from X.
@argonautbooks.bsky.social has put together a letter to Waterstones, which you can read and sign here:
c.org/BW7b88mRSw
c.org/BW7b88mRSw
Sign the Petition
An Open Letter to Waterstones Regarding a Sixth Edinburgh Branch in Leith
c.org
November 21, 2025 at 1:00 PM
@argonautbooks.bsky.social has put together a letter to Waterstones, which you can read and sign here:
c.org/BW7b88mRSw
c.org/BW7b88mRSw
Reposted by Karen Gregory
This kind of story, about the impact of deindustrialisation, is just one of dozens playing out across Scotland:
Mossmorran: 'This area is really struggling so this is bad news'
The closure of the petrochemical plant could hit the already struggling town of Cowdenbeath.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 21, 2025 at 12:34 PM
This kind of story, about the impact of deindustrialisation, is just one of dozens playing out across Scotland:
The US and the UK seem to be reading the same PDF when it comes to actual workers.
The DoE has reclassified numerous health professional and other degrees, limiting access to federal student loan programs eligible for the higher OBBBA loan caps from thousands to a few hundred.
As ALWAYS, this is about $$.
We're about to become REALLY "great"...
shorturl.fm/xs7gY
As ALWAYS, this is about $$.
We're about to become REALLY "great"...
shorturl.fm/xs7gY
November 21, 2025 at 12:06 PM
The US and the UK seem to be reading the same PDF when it comes to actual workers.
Reposted by Karen Gregory
Aw, yeah! This is dope. Congrats to all involved 8)
So proud of my colleagues @fightforthefuture.org and the massive coalition of local folks that made this happen www.mercurynews.com/2025/11/19/o...
Oakland rejects $2 million contract with surveillance company over concerns of ICE spying
Flock Safety was shown the door after hundreds rallied against the company.
www.mercurynews.com
November 20, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Aw, yeah! This is dope. Congrats to all involved 8)
Reposted by Karen Gregory
Looking forward to giving a keynote here at the end of the month:
"A Public Sociology of Algorithms and AI?"
www.gameoftech.eu/eventi/winte...
"A Public Sociology of Algorithms and AI?"
www.gameoftech.eu/eventi/winte...
Walking through the platform – Winter school 2025
Register here! Call for participation – Walking through the platform: a winter school on method, imagination, and praxis While certainly timing in many research fields, digital platforms studies often...
www.gameoftech.eu
November 16, 2025 at 12:49 PM
Looking forward to giving a keynote here at the end of the month:
"A Public Sociology of Algorithms and AI?"
www.gameoftech.eu/eventi/winte...
"A Public Sociology of Algorithms and AI?"
www.gameoftech.eu/eventi/winte...
Reposted by Karen Gregory
Reposting, just in case you don't yet know - next week, in Edinburgh, Prof Mark Findlay is talking on his book, Governing the Metaverse.
Tell your friends, tell your students, tell it to that enigmatic stranger sitting in the corner...
#Law #Regulation #Cyberspace #Metaverse
Tell your friends, tell your students, tell it to that enigmatic stranger sitting in the corner...
#Law #Regulation #Cyberspace #Metaverse
We will be welcoming our Professorial Fellow Mark Findlay back to Edinburgh to talk on his recent book, Governing the Metaverse.
26 November, 1615 hrs (GMT/UTC), in person, MacLaren Stuart Room, Law School, Old College, Edinburgh
www.law.ed.ac.uk/news-events/...
26 November, 1615 hrs (GMT/UTC), in person, MacLaren Stuart Room, Law School, Old College, Edinburgh
www.law.ed.ac.uk/news-events/...
Governing the Metaverse: Law Order and Freedom in Digital Space | Edinburgh Law School
www.law.ed.ac.uk
November 20, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Reposting, just in case you don't yet know - next week, in Edinburgh, Prof Mark Findlay is talking on his book, Governing the Metaverse.
Tell your friends, tell your students, tell it to that enigmatic stranger sitting in the corner...
#Law #Regulation #Cyberspace #Metaverse
Tell your friends, tell your students, tell it to that enigmatic stranger sitting in the corner...
#Law #Regulation #Cyberspace #Metaverse
"If we consider K-12 education as really preparation for adult life, preparation to enter the workforce..."
Of course, those who can afford to pull their children out Workforce Academy (TM) will do so or have already.
The color of television, tuned to a dead channel, as worldview.
Of course, those who can afford to pull their children out Workforce Academy (TM) will do so or have already.
The color of television, tuned to a dead channel, as worldview.
The U.S. Education Department is moving management of K-12 and higher education to the Department of Labor
Is Trump dismantling the Education Department? Not yet. But changes are coming.
The U.S. Education Department is moving management of K-12 and higher education to the Department of Labor and parceling out other core job duties to other agencies. It's the most sweeping effort so f...
www.chalkbeat.org
November 20, 2025 at 4:42 PM
"If we consider K-12 education as really preparation for adult life, preparation to enter the workforce..."
Of course, those who can afford to pull their children out Workforce Academy (TM) will do so or have already.
The color of television, tuned to a dead channel, as worldview.
Of course, those who can afford to pull their children out Workforce Academy (TM) will do so or have already.
The color of television, tuned to a dead channel, as worldview.
Excellent news: The Luksic Scholarship for Sustainability & Data at the Edinburgh Futures Institute
registryservices.ed.ac.uk/student-fund...
cc @arturoarriagada.bsky.social
registryservices.ed.ac.uk/student-fund...
cc @arturoarriagada.bsky.social
The Luksic Scholarship for Sustainability & Data at the Edinburgh Futures Institute | Scholarships and Student Funding | Student Administration
These scholarships will support applicants who are Chilean citizens domiciled in Chile for entry in 2026/2027 for MSc programmes in Data & AI Ethics and Circular Economy at the Edinburgh Futures Insti...
registryservices.ed.ac.uk
November 20, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Excellent news: The Luksic Scholarship for Sustainability & Data at the Edinburgh Futures Institute
registryservices.ed.ac.uk/student-fund...
cc @arturoarriagada.bsky.social
registryservices.ed.ac.uk/student-fund...
cc @arturoarriagada.bsky.social
No redundancies and none of this crap (yes, that is the correct sociological term for this):
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
‘We could have asked ChatGPT’: students fight back over course taught by AI
Staffordshire students say signs material was AI-generated included suspicious file names and rogue voiceover accent
www.theguardian.com
November 20, 2025 at 11:36 AM
No redundancies and none of this crap (yes, that is the correct sociological term for this):
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
Universities too.
"MPs on the select committee said the UK needed to develop greater “sovereign” technology capacity, award more contracts to smaller, local providers, and be less reliant on deals that resulted in government departments becoming locked into services with US firms." www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Microsoft has ‘ripped off the NHS’, says MP amid call for contracts with British firms
Samantha Niblett highlighted government’s multi-billion-pound deals with Microsoft and ‘getting locked in’
www.theguardian.com
November 20, 2025 at 9:53 AM
Universities too.
Reposted by Karen Gregory
Couldn’t have said it better myself. This is a key argument of my book coming out May 2026 with @versobooks.bsky.social
November 20, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Couldn’t have said it better myself. This is a key argument of my book coming out May 2026 with @versobooks.bsky.social