The Gendered Dimensions of Digital Labor: A Qualitative Study of Lebanese Women Entrepreneurs in E-Commerce

The rapid expansion of digital labor has transformed traditional work structures, offering new opportunities while amplifying the precariousness of employment, particularly for women entrepreneurs. This study examines the gendered dimensions of digital labor, focusing on how Lebanese women entrepreneurs in e-commerce navigate the challenges of work-life balance, job insecurity, and the demands of "always-on" digital work cultures.

Using qualitative research methods, including semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis, the study explores the lived experiences of 25 Lebanese women running e-commerce businesses on platforms such as social media and online marketplaces.

The study aims to reveal key tensions between perceived entrepreneurial freedom and the hidden pressures of maintaining digital business operations while balancing unpaid domestic responsibilities. These dynamics are shown to significantly affect women’s mental health, family relationships, and long-term career prospects.